At a glance
- Gather what applies to you; skip the rest
- Missing a form? Bring what you have and we'll sort out the rest
- Most W-2s and 1099s arrive by January 31
- Never send tax documents by regular email or text
Personal Information
- Photo ID for you (and your spouse, if filing jointly)
- Social Security cards or ITIN letters for everyone on the return
- Dates of birth for all dependents
- Last year's tax return (federal and state)
- IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN), if you received one
- Bank routing and account number for direct deposit
Income
- W-2s from every employer
- 1099-NEC, 1099-K and 1099-MISC (self-employment and gig income)
- 1099-INT, 1099-DIV and 1099-B (interest, dividends, investment sales)
- 1099-DA or exchange reports for crypto and digital assets
- 1099-R (pensions, IRA and 401(k) distributions) and SSA-1099 (Social Security)
- 1099-G (unemployment or state tax refund)
- Schedule K-1s from partnerships, S-corps or trusts
- Records of tips and overtime pay, if any
- Rental property income and expenses
Deductions & Credits
- Form 1098 (mortgage interest) and property tax statements
- Form 1098-T (tuition) and 1098-E (student loan interest)
- Child care provider name, address, tax ID and amount paid
- Charitable donation receipts
- Medical and dental expenses, if significant
- HSA forms (5498-SA, 1099-SA) and retirement contributions
- Form 1095-A if you had Marketplace health insurance
- Loan interest statement if you bought a new vehicle
Self-Employed & Business
- Total income by source, plus bank or app statements
- Business expenses by category (supplies, phone, software, advertising, etc.)
- Vehicle mileage log
- Home office square footage and total home square footage
- Equipment or asset purchases with dates and costs
- Estimated tax payments made this year
- EIN and LLC formation documents, if you have them
Got an IP PIN letter from the IRS? Bring it. Your return can't be e-filed without the current year's Identity Protection PIN.
Want to be sure you get every credit?
Book a free 15-minute call. I'll check which credits fit your family before you file.
Schedule your free callOfficial IRS sources: IRS: Get an Identity Protection PIN ↗ · IRS: Filing ↗
Updated for 2026 returns filed in 2027. General information only, not tax advice for your situation. Rules and amounts can change; your eligibility is confirmed when your return is prepared.
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