Tax Document Checklist: What to Gather for Filing
Gathering the right documents before tax season makes the filing process smooth and helps ensure you don't miss valuable deductions. Here's your comprehensive checklist.
Start Early
Begin gathering documents in January. Most tax forms arrive by mid-February, but organizing early prevents last-minute stress.
Personal Information
Social Security Numbers
For yourself, spouse, and all dependents
Birth dates
For all household members
Bank account information
For direct deposit of refund or electronic payment of taxes owed
Copy of last year's return
Helpful for reference and carryover items
Income Documents
Employment Income
- ✓ W-2 forms from all employers
- ✓ 1099-NEC (non-employee compensation)
- ✓ 1099-MISC (miscellaneous income)
- ✓ 1099-K (payment card transactions)
Investment Income
- ✓ 1099-INT (interest income)
- ✓ 1099-DIV (dividend income)
- ✓ 1099-B (stock sales)
- ✓ Cryptocurrency transaction records
Retirement Income
- ✓ 1099-R (retirement distributions)
- ✓ SSA-1099 (Social Security benefits)
- ✓ RRB-1099 (Railroad Retirement)
Other Income
- ✓ Rental property income/expenses
- ✓ Unemployment compensation (1099-G)
- ✓ Gambling winnings (W-2G)
- ✓ Alimony received
Deduction Documents
Charitable Contributions
- ✓ Receipts from charitable organizations
- ✓ Non-cash donation records (clothing, furniture, etc.)
- ✓ Mileage log for volunteer work
- ✓ Acknowledgment letters for donations over $250
Medical Expenses
- ✓ Health insurance premiums (if self-employed)
- ✓ Doctor, dentist, and hospital bills
- ✓ Prescription medication receipts
- ✓ Medical equipment purchases
- ✓ Mileage for medical appointments
Homeownership
- ✓ Form 1098 (mortgage interest)
- ✓ Property tax statements
- ✓ Home improvement records (for basis calculation)
- ✓ Home office expenses (if applicable)
Education Expenses
- ✓ Form 1098-T (tuition statement)
- ✓ Form 1098-E (student loan interest)
- ✓ Receipts for books and supplies
- ✓ Scholarship/grant information
Business Owners & Self-Employed
Income Records
All 1099 forms, merchant statements, invoices, and sales records
Business Expense Receipts
Office supplies, equipment, software, professional services, advertising, etc.
Vehicle Mileage Log
Date, purpose, and miles for all business trips
Home Office Information
Square footage, mortgage/rent, utilities, insurance
Payroll Records
W-2s issued, 941 forms, state payroll tax returns
Depreciation Schedule
For equipment and assets purchased in previous years
Credits & Special Situations
Childcare
Provider name, address, EIN, and amount paid
Energy Credits
Solar panel, heat pump, or EV charger receipts
Retirement Contributions
IRA, SEP, 401(k) contribution statements
Health Insurance
Form 1095-A (Marketplace coverage)
Organization Tips
Create a Tax Folder
Designate one physical folder and one digital folder for all tax documents
Use a Checklist
Check off items as you receive them to ensure nothing is missing
Scan Everything
Create digital backups of all paper documents for security
Note Missing Documents
If you expect a form that hasn't arrived by mid-February, contact the issuer
Let Us Handle Your Tax Preparation
Send us your documents and we'll take care of the rest. We'll ensure every deduction is claimed and your return is filed accurately and on time.
Get Started with Tax Preparation