Tax Document Checklist: What to Gather Before You File

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Identity and basics 0 of 5

• Social Security cards or numbers — for you, your spouse and every dependent; names must match exactly
• Photo ID — needed for in-person preparers and VITA sites
• Last year’s tax return — supplies prior-year AGI to e-sign; helps you spot recurring items
• Identity Protection PIN (if issued) — a six-digit IRS code you must use when filing
• Bank routing and account numbers — for direct deposit or payment

Income documents 0 of 12

• W-2 from each employer — wages and withholding; due from employers by January 31
• 1099-NEC / 1099-MISC — freelance or other income from businesses
• 1099-K — payment app and marketplace payments
• 1099-INT and 1099-DIV — bank interest and dividends
• 1099-B or consolidated brokerage statement — sales of stocks and funds; may arrive in February
• Crypto records — transactions, basis and exchange reports if you sold or exchanged
• 1099-R — pension, IRA and annuity distributions
• SSA-1099 — Social Security benefits
• 1099-G — unemployment benefits and state refunds
• K-1 — partnership, S corporation or trust income, which can arrive late
• Rental income and expenses — records for rental property
• Records of cash or side income — income without a form still counts

Deduction records 0 of 7

• 1098 mortgage interest statement — and property tax bills
• Charitable gift receipts — acknowledgment letters for gifts of $250 or more
• Medical expense records — only matter if you’ll itemize and exceed the AGI threshold
• 1098-E student loan interest — deductible up to the limit
• HSA forms (1099-SA, 5498-SA) — contributions and distributions
• IRA contribution records (5498) — traditional or Roth contributions
• Business expense records and mileage log — for self-employed filers

Credit records 0 of 5

• Child care provider details — name, address, tax ID and amounts paid
• Education forms (1098-T) — tuition and fees records
• Health coverage forms (1095-A) — marketplace plan reconciliation
• Dependent information — birth dates, SSNs, months lived with you
• Energy-efficiency or clean-vehicle paperwork — if you claim related credits that remain available; check IRS

Before you file 0 of 3

• Compare each form to a transcript — your IRS wage and income transcript can reveal missing forms
• Decide how you’ll file — see our free filing options
• Pick a safe place for records — keep them at least three years

Official sources

• IRS: Form 1040 instructions
• IRS Topic 154: Missing or incorrect W-2 / 1099-R
• IRS Topic 159: Wage and income transcripts