What Documents Do You Need for Tax Preparation?
Gathering all your relevant tax documents before you begin — whether you are filing yourself or working with a professional — prevents errors, avoids the need to amend your return, and ensures you do not miss any deductions you are entitled to claim.
Personal Information
You will need Social Security numbers for yourself, spouse, and all dependents; birth dates for all family members; last year's tax return; bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit of your refund; driver's license or state ID (required by many state tax filings); and your Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) if you are enrolled in the IRS IP PIN program.
Income Documents
Gather all income documents — missing even one will create a mismatch with IRS records. You need: W-2 from each employer; 1099-NEC for freelance or contractor income; 1099-MISC for rent received or royalties; 1099-INT for bank interest; 1099-DIV for dividends; 1099-B for proceeds from brokerage sales; 1099-R for retirement account distributions; SSA-1099 if you received Social Security benefits; 1099-G for unemployment compensation; and K-1 forms if you are a partner, LLC member, or S corporation shareholder. Employers must provide W-2s by January 31. Brokerage 1099-Bs can be delayed until February 15 or later.
Deduction Documents
If you itemize deductions: Form 1098 (mortgage interest statement), property tax bills, charitable contribution receipts (acknowledgment letters for donations of $250 or more), medical expense receipts and insurance Explanation of Benefits statements, and state and local income tax paid. Even if you take the standard deduction, some of these documents may be relevant for above-the-line deductions or specific credits.
Self-Employment and Business Documents
If you are self-employed: profit and loss statement or detailed income and expense records, business bank and credit card statements, mileage log for business vehicle use, home office measurements and expense records, receipts for equipment and software purchases, health insurance premium statements, and self-employed retirement plan contribution documentation.
Life Changes and Healthcare
If you had a marriage, divorce, new dependent, home purchase or sale, college tuition, student loan interest, or energy-efficient home improvements, bring relevant documents for each. If you purchased health insurance through a marketplace, you will receive Form 1095-A for claiming or reconciling the Premium Tax Credit. If you have a Health Savings Account, you will receive Form 5498-SA for contributions and Form 1099-SA for distributions.
Visit our resources page for printable checklists, or schedule a tax preparation appointment to go through your documents with a professional.