Comprehensive Tax Document Checklist for Filing
A smooth tax season starts with good preparation. Our guide helps you gather every necessary form and statement for a complete and accurate return.
Gathering your paperwork before starting the tax preparation process can prevent common errors and reduce stress. This checklist will help you collect the documents needed to complete your federal tax return.
Essential Personal Information
To begin, gather the personal data for every individual on your tax return. You will need the full legal name, Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), and date of birth for yourself, your spouse, and any dependents. Names must be entered exactly as they appear on each person’s Social Security card to prevent rejection by the IRS.
For reference and to ensure consistency, having a copy of your previous year’s tax return is beneficial. You will also need your bank account routing and account numbers to facilitate a direct deposit for a potential refund or to arrange a direct debit for any taxes owed.
Income Verification Documents
Employers report wages, salaries, and tips on Form W-2. If you held multiple jobs, you must collect a W-2 from each employer. This form details your total earnings and the amount of federal and state taxes that were withheld from your paychecks throughout the year.
Income from other sources is reported on various 1099 forms, and all income must be reported whether you receive a form or not. Common income documents include:
- Form 1099-NEC for income earned as a freelancer or independent contractor.
- Form 1099-K for payments over $5,000 received for goods or services from payment apps or online marketplaces for the 2024 tax year.
- Form 1099-INT for interest income.
- Form 1099-DIV for dividends and distributions from stocks.
- Form 1099-B for proceeds from broker and barter exchange transactions.
- Form 1099-G for unemployment compensation or state tax refunds.
- Form 1099-R for distributions from pensions, annuities, or retirement plans.
- Form SSA-1099 for Social Security benefits received, which may be partially taxable depending on your overall income.
Records for Tax Deductions
Certain deductions are available even if you do not itemize. You will need documentation for these, including:
- Records of educator expenses.
- Form 5498 for contributions made to an IRA.
- Form 5498-SA for contributions to a Health Savings Account (HSA).
- Form 1098-E for student loan interest paid.
If you plan to itemize your deductions, you will need additional records. These include:
- Form 1098 for mortgage interest payments.
- Records of state and local taxes paid, such as property or income taxes.
- Receipts or written acknowledgments for charitable contributions.
- A summary of medical and dental expenses paid out-of-pocket to determine if you meet the threshold for deduction.
Documentation for Tax Credits
Tax credits provide a dollar-for-dollar reduction of your tax bill, and claiming them requires specific documentation. For the Child and Dependent Care Credit, you need records of child care expenses, including the provider’s name, address, and Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) to complete Form 2441.
For education credits like the American Opportunity Credit, you will need Form 1098-T, Tuition Statement. This form is issued by eligible educational institutions and details the amount of qualified tuition and related expenses you paid during the year. Also, gather records related to the purchase of clean energy property for your home, as these may qualify for residential energy credits.
Other Necessary Tax Forms and Records
If you made estimated tax payments to federal, state, or local governments, you will need records of these payments. Federal payments are often documented with Form 1040-ES.
Individuals who purchased health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace will receive Form 1095-A. This form is necessary to reconcile any advance payments of the premium tax credit you may have received. Finally, keep any notices or letters you have received from the IRS or your state tax agency, as they may contain information relevant to your current year’s filing.