This article was updated for Tax Year 2024, last edited on January 14, 2025.
It’s that time of year—tax season—and we want to make sure you’re prepared. We’ve put together a list of information and forms you might need when filing with april this year. You won’t necessarily need all of the information listed, so focus on the areas that apply to your tax situation.
For coverage details and other important legal information about Filer, you can read more here. If you’re filing through aprilPro, you may be asked for additional documentation.
Personal Information
Last year's tax information
A copy of your federal and state returns (IRS and state Form 1040), if applicable.
If you don't have a copy of your return or a transcript, here's how to get it.
Driver’s License
Social Security numbers (SSNs), legal full names, and dates of birth for you, your spouse, and dependents.
Income
For salaried or hourly employee
IRS Form W-2
Employers must send out your W-2 (for salaried or hourly employees) by January 31 for the coming tax season.
Business Income
If you’re an independent contractor, self-employed, or a freelancer, you’ll probably get a 1099-NEC for contract work and/or a 1099-K for payments through third-party apps.
It’s a good idea to gather any documents you used to run your business, like receipts, income summaries, expense records, bank statements, sales records, or even a profit and loss statement if you have one.
Investment Income
You’ll get a 1099-INT for interest earnings, a 1099-DIV for dividends, a 1099-B for broker and barter transactions, and/or a 1099-OID for bonds. If the issuer is preparing a consolidated 1099 statement for you, they have until February 14th to send it, so it might arrive a bit later than your other forms.
Retirement Income
Form 1099-R
If you received $10 or more in distributions from a retirement plan, you’ll get a 1099-R. Retirement plan issuers have until January 31st to send it out.
If you received Social Security benefits, you’ll get an SSA-1099. Your situation will determine whether or not this income is taxable. The Social Security Administration has until January 31st to send it out.
Other Sources Of Income
Income from the government
You’ll receive a Form 1099-G for any unemployment you’ve receivedHSA Distributions on Form 1099-SA
Other miscellaneous income
Some of this income may be reported on a 1099-MISC and will appear on Schedule 1.
Deductions
If you plan to claim deductions, make sure you have the supporting documents. Keep in mind, this list covers the most common deductions but doesn’t include everything.
Your student loan servicer will send you a Form 1098-E if you paid $600 or more in student loan interest.
If you’re an eligible educator, you can deduct up to $300 in unreimbursed trade or business expenses.
IRA Contributions/Savers Credit
Contributions to a Traditional IRA might be fully or partially deductible from your total income as an adjustment.
Credits
Keep in mind, this list covers the most common credits but doesn’t include everything
Education Credits
You might qualify for the American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC), which lets eligible students claim a credit for qualifying education expenses during their first four years of higher education. You could also qualify for the Lifetime Learning Credit (LLC), which covers tuition and related costs for students enrolled in eligible educational institutions.
Make sure you have your Form 1098-T along with the amounts for your qualified tuition and related expenses.
Childcare costs
You might qualify for the Child and Dependent Care Credit if you paid for the care of a qualifying dependent so you (and your spouse, if filing jointly) could work or look for work.
Child Tax Credit/Credit for Other Dependents
If you have dependents, you might qualify for the Child Tax Credit, which provides a tax break for families with qualifying children. If you’re not eligible for that, you could still qualify for the Credit for Other Dependents.
Earned Income Credit
You might qualify for the Earned Income Credit, depending on your adjusted gross income and the number of qualifying dependents listed on your return.
Payments
This includes payments made on income that wasn’t subject to tax withholding, such as extension payments or refunds applied from previous years.
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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