Before you start your tax return, it helps to have your basic personal and filing information ready. You won’t need everything in every situation, but having these details upfront can make filing smoother.
Personal identification details
Have the following information available:
Social Security numbers (SSNs) for you, your spouse, and any dependents
Legal full names and dates of birth (exactly as they appear on Social Security cards)
A driver’s license or state ID, if applicable
Last year’s tax information
You may be asked for information from last year’s return, including:
A copy of your federal and state tax returns (Form 1040), if you have them
Your last year’s AGI, in some cases
If you don’t have a copy of your return or a transcript, you can still file. There are ways to retrieve this information if needed.
Banking information
If you’re expecting a refund or plan to make a payment, have your:
Bank account number
Routing number
This allows you to receive refunds faster or make payments directly from your account.
A quick reminder
You don’t need to gather everything before you begin. april will guide you through what’s required based on your answers, and you can often come back to add missing details later.
This content is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as tax, legal, financial, accounting, or other advice. Rules and regulations vary by location and are subject to change, so please consult with an expert if you need advice specific to you.
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