To file your taxes, you will need to gather several important documents depending on your personal situation. Here is a comprehensive list of common documents you should have ready:
Personal Information
- Social Security number (SSN) or tax ID number for yourself, your spouse, and any dependents
- Dates of birth for yourself, your spouse, and dependents
- Government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver's license)
- Bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit or payment
Income Documents
- Form W-2 from employers reporting wages and salary
- Form 1099 series for other income types, including:
- 1099-INT for interest income
- 1099-DIV for dividends
- 1099-B for stock sales
- 1099-R for retirement distributions
- 1099-G for unemployment benefits
- 1099-MISC or 1099-NEC for self-employment or contractor income
- 1099-K for payment card and third-party network transactions
- SSA-1099 for Social Security benefits
- Records of any other income such as rental income, jury duty pay, gambling winnings, hobby income, or alimony
Deduction and Credit Documents
- Receipts and records for deductible expenses such as:
- Childcare costs (including provider’s tax ID)
- Education expenses (tuition, books)
- Charitable donations
- Medical expenses (if itemizing)
- Mortgage interest statements and property tax records
- Health savings account contributions
- Form 8332 if claiming a child as a dependent released by the custodial parent
Self-Employment and Business Records (if applicable)
- Income records not reported on 1099s
- Expense receipts, mileage logs, and business asset information
- Records of estimated tax payments (Form 1040-ES)
Other Helpful Documents
- Prior year tax return (helps with reference)
- Any IRS or state tax notices or letters
Gathering these documents before you start your tax return will help ensure your filing is accurate and complete, and can speed up the process
