Ensure a smooth tax filing process by gathering the necessary documents in advance. Below is a summary of what you may need:
PERSONAL INFORMATION
● SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS (SSNs) for yourself, your spouse (if applicable), and all dependents
● DATES OF BIRTH for yourself, your spouse, and all dependents
● FULL NAMES as they appear on Social Security cards
● CURRENT MAILING ADDRESS and phone number
● BANK ACCOUNT INFORMATION (routing number and account number) for direct deposit of refunds or direct debit of payments
INCOME DOCUMENTS
W-2 FORMS:
From all employers
1099 FORMS:
● 1099-MISC or 1099-NEC – Independent contractor or freelance income
● 1099-INT – Interest income
● 1099-DIV – Dividend income
● 1099-B – Proceeds from broker transactions
● 1099-R – Retirement distributions (pensions, annuities, IRAs)
● 1099-G – Unemployment compensation
✓ SSA-1099 – Social Security Benefits
OTHER INCOME:
● Records of rental income (including expenses)
● Records of capital gains or losses (stocks, bonds, real estate)
● Records of alimony received
● Records of gambling winnings (and losses)
● Any other income documentation
DEDUCTION DOCUMENTS
MEDICAL EXPENSES:
● Records of doctor visits, hospital bills, prescriptions, and other medical expenses.
● Statements from insurance companies showing amounts paid
CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS:
● CASH CONTRIBUTIONS – Bank records, canceled checks, or receipts from organizations.
● NON-CASH CONTRIBUTIONS – Receipts for donated items (clothing, furniture, etc.) and fair market value documentation
INTEREST EXPENSES:
● FORM 1098 – Mortgage interest paid
● Records of STUDENT LOAN INTEREST PAID (Form 1098-E)
STATE AND LOCAL TAXES:
● Records of REAL ESTATE TAXES PAID
● Records of PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES PAID
● Records of STATE AND LOCAL INCOME TAXES PAID (if itemizing)
EDUCATION EXPENSES:
● FORM 1098-T – Tuition statements from educational institutions
● Records of QUALIFIED EDUCATION EXPENSES (books, supplies, etc.)
CHILDCARE EXPENSES:
● Name, address, and SSN OR EIN of childcare provider
● Amount paid for childcare expenses
OTHER DEDUCTIONS:
● Records of BUSINESS EXPENSES (if self-employed)
● Records of JOB-RELATED EXPENSES (if applicable)
● Records of MOVING EXPENSES (if applicable)
CREDITS
Information related to any tax credits you may be eligible for, such as:
● CHILD TAX CREDIT
● EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT (EITC)
● CHILD AND DEPENDENT CARE CREDIT
● EDUCATION CREDITS
OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION
● A COPY OF LAST YEAR’S TAX RETURN
● ANY NOTICES OR CORRESPONDENCE FROM THE IRS
● DOCUMENTATION RELATED TO ANY LIFE CHANGES (marriage, divorce, birth, or adoption of a child, etc.)
