Use this checklist to make sure you have what you need before filing your tax return with april. You don’t need everything listed—check off what applies to you.
Personal information
The IRS uses this information to confirm your identity, match your return with its records, and send any refund or payment to the right place.
☐ Social Security number (SSN) or ITIN for you, your spouse, and anyone else on your return
☐ Your legal name as it appears on record with the Social Security Administration
☐ Dates of birth for you, your spouse, and dependents
☐ Your current address (notify the IRS if you’ve moved)
☐ Bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit of a refund or payment of taxes owed
☐ IP PIN, if the IRS issued you one (often due to identity theft)
Important: If you recently changed your name, make sure the SSA has been notified — mismatches can delay your return.
Last year’s tax information
If you filed a return last year, this information helps the IRS verify your identity and makes e-filing smoother.
☐ Last year’s adjusted gross income (AGI) (Line 11 of last year’s Form 1040)
☐ Exact refund amount from last year, if applicable
☐ A copy of last year’s federal or state tax return, if you have it
☐ Self-select PIN, if you created one when you e-filed last year
Don’t have this yet? You can still start — there are ways to retrieve missing info later.
Income documents
These forms report income you received during the year. Companies and payers are required to send them to you (usually by January or February) and file copies with the IRS.
☐ W-2 forms from employers (or corrected W-2s, if issued)
☐ 1099 forms for non-employee income, including:
☐ 1099-NEC (freelance or gig work)
☐ 1099-K (payment apps or online marketplaces)
☐ 1099-G (unemployment or other government payments)
☐ 1099-INT (interest from banks or brokers)
☐ 1099-DIV (dividends and distributions)
☐ 1099-R (retirement distributions, pensions, annuities)
☐ SSA-1099 (Social Security benefits)
☐ 1099-MISC (other miscellaneous income)
☐ W-2G (gambling or lottery winnings), if applicable
Digital assets (if applicable)
If you bought, sold, exchanged, or received digital assets and didn’t receive a tax form, you’ll need your own records.
☐ Records of digital asset transactions (dates, amounts, and values)
Health insurance information
This is required if you or anyone on your return had Marketplace health insurance.
☐ Form 1095-A, Health Insurance Marketplace Statement
Dependents
This information helps determine whether you can claim dependents and qualify for related credits.
☐ Names, SSNs, and dates of birth
☐ Details about residency and support (who lived with you and who paid for what)
Deductions you may claim
Deductions can reduce the amount of income you’re taxed on, depending on your situation.
☐ Student loan interest (Form 1098-E)
☐ Educator expenses, if you’re a teacher
☐ IRA or other retirement contributions
☐ Health savings account (HSA) or FSA contributions
☐ Charitable donations, mortgage interest, or property taxes (if you itemize)
Credits you may qualify for
Credits can directly reduce your tax bill or increase your refund.
☐ Education expenses (Form 1098-T)
☐ Childcare or dependent care expenses
☐ Child Tax Credit or Credit for Other Dependents
☐ Earned Income Credit (EIC)
Self-employment or side job documents (if applicable)
If you worked for yourself or had a side hustle, you’ll need records to report income and expenses.
☐ Bank statements from banks, payment apps, or marketplaces
☐ Checks or payments received
☐ Receipts and mileage logs for business expenses
☐ Records of deductible office or supply expenses
☐ Estimated tax payments, if you made any
Payments already made
These help ensure you get credit for taxes you’ve already paid.
☐ Estimated tax payments
☐ Extension payments
☐ Prior-year refunds applied to this year
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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