If you’re one of the millions of people who like to complete and file your taxes with plenty of breathing room before the mid-April deadline, chances are you’re collecting paperwork, firing up the computer or getting in touch with a local tax preparer.

Here are a few things you should have ready before filing on your own or with the help of a professional :

• Correctly spelled names, Social Security numbers and birth dates for anyone on the return, including kids.
• W-2 forms for wages you received from an employer.
• 1099 forms for interest income, dividend income, tuition expenses and various other non-wage income.
• Proof and documentation for tax credits, including insulation improvements to your home, sending a dependent off to college, child and dependent-care credits and many others.
• Any other income, including gambling winnings, and small business or hobby income.

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