Getting ready for tax season? The documents you need depend on your income sources and life situation.
To make your filing process easier — whether you’re meeting your CPA or filing on your own — we’ve put together a comprehensive checklist of what you’ll need.

Personal Information

Before anything else, ensure you have your personal and identification details ready.
Tax Identification Numbers are mandatory for all taxpayers.

You’ll need:

• Your Social Security Number (SSN)or Tax ID Number
• Your spouse’s full name, SSN or Tax ID, and date of birth
• Any Identity Protection PINissued by the IRS for you, your spouse, or dependents
• Bank routing and account numbersif you prefer direct deposit for refunds or to pay taxes due
• Foreign residency or reporting details, if applicable

 

Dependent Information

If you have dependents, gather all relevant details to claim credits and deductions correctly.

You’ll need:

• Date of birth and SSN or Tax IDfor each dependent
• Childcare expense recordsand your provider’s Tax ID number
• Income earned by dependentsor other adults in your household
• Form 8332(if applicable), releasing a child’s claim from the custodial parent to the noncustodial parent

Income Sources

Not every taxpayer will need every form. The documents below depend on how you earned income during the year.

If You’re Employed:

• W-2 Formfrom each employer

If You Were Unemployed:

• Form 1099-Gfor unemployment compensation

If You’re Self-Employed or Own a Business:

• Forms 1099-NEC, 1099-MISC, or K-1(for partnerships or S-Corps)
• Records of gross income not reportedon any 1099 form
• Expense records(receipts, bank statements, or accounting reports)
• Details on assets used for business(cost, date placed in service, etc.) for depreciation
• Home office details, if applicable
• Estimated tax payment records (Form 1040-ES)

If You Earn Rental Income:

• Records of rental income and related expenses
• Details of rental property assets(cost and service dates)
• Estimated tax payment records (Form 1040-ES)

 

Retirement Income

If you received retirement benefits, keep these forms ready:

• Form 1099-Rfor pension, IRA, or annuity income
• Records showing after-tax IRA contributions(your IRA basis)
• SSA-1099 or RRB-1099for Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits

 

Savings, Investments & Dividends

If you have investments, you’ll need:

• Forms 1099-INT, 1099-OID, or 1099-DIVfor interest and dividends
• Form 1099-B or 1099-Sfor stock or property sales
• Purchase and cost basis recordsfor sold investments (if not listed on 1099-B)
• Form 1099-SA or 1099-LTCfor HSA or long-term care distributions
• Investment-related expense records
• Estimated tax payments (Form 1040-ES)
• Records of cryptocurrency transactions

 

Other Income & Losses

Include any additional income or loss documentation, such as:

• Form 1099-Kfor third-party payments (PayPal, Stripe, etc.)
• W-2Gor gambling income and loss records
• Jury duty compensation
• Hobby income and related expenses
• Prizes, awards, or royalties (1099-MISC)
• Trust income
• Alimony paid or receivedwith the ex-spouse’s SSN
• State tax refund statements

 

Deductions & Credits

Deductions vary based on your situation. Gather only what applies to you.

Home & Vehicle Ownership:

• Form 1098(mortgage interest)
• Property tax receipts
• Energy-efficient home improvement receipts(solar panels, etc.)
• Electric vehicle documentation
• All other 1098 series forms

Charitable Giving:

• Donation receiptsfrom qualified organizations
• Records for non-cash donations(clothing, goods, etc.)
• Mileage logsfor charitable or medical travel

Medical Expenses:

• Health insurance and out-of-pocket medical payments
• Premiums paid outside of employer or Marketplace plans

Health Insurance:

• Form 1095-Aif enrolled via the Health Insurance Marketplace

Childcare Costs:

• Receipts from daycare providers or babysitters(with Tax ID)
• Dependent care FSA contribution records

Education Costs:

• Form 1098-Tfrom your or your child’s school
• Receipts for tuition, books, and other qualified expenses
• Scholarship or grant award records
• Form 1098-Efor student loan interest paid

K–12 Educators:

• Receipts for classroom supplies and materials

State & Local Taxes:

• State/local income or sales tax paid(outside of withholdings)
• Vehicle sales or property tax invoices

Retirement & Savings Contributions:

• Form 5498-SAfor HSA contributions
• Form 5498for IRA contributions
• Other 5498 series forms(ESA, QA, etc.)

Disaster Losses:

• Location details (city/county) where property was affected
• Records for damage, repair, and cleanup costs
• Insurance claims and reimbursements
• FEMA documentationif applicable
• Check the FEMA WebsiteList to confirm your country eligibility

 

Be Ready Before You File

Gathering these documents early makes your tax filing smoother and helps your CPA maximize deductions and reduce risks.

Need help preparing your documents or filing confidently?
Schedule a consultation — we’ll help you organize, file accurately, and uncover tax-saving opportunities.