Records needed for tax preparation

--Copy of 2006 tax return.

--W-2s from all employers. --Forms 1099, 1099-DIV, 1099-R and 1099-G showing non-wage income, dividend or interest paid to you in 2007 as well as any refund, credit or offset of state and local taxes.

--Receipts indicating state and local taxes, real estate taxes and personal property taxes you paid in 2007.

--Form 1098 showing 2007 home mortgage interest and points, as well as mortgage insurance premiums on home acquisition debt that was new or refinanced in 2007.

--Receipts and documentation for all charitable contributions and gifts (cash and non-cash).

--Income receipts from rental real estate, royalties, partnerships, S corporation and trusts.

--Records of unemployment compensation, Social Security benefits or other income.

--Records of medical and dental expenses if you think you can meet the 7.5 percent adjusted gross income threshold required for this deduction.

--Documentation of casualty and theft losses.

--Total paid for day care, and tax identification number for daycare provider.

--Identifying documents -- such as a Social Security card or driver's license -- for you and your spouse in certain tax situations, such as when claiming the earned income tax credit.

--A bank routing number and an account number for direct deposit of refund.

--Remember to keep a copy of your tax return and supporting documents for at least three years from the date you file the return. Many tax advisers say you should keep these for six years. Some records should be kept much longer. This includes anything needed to calculate a cost basis for IRAs and other investments that may be sold many years in the future. When in doubt, save.