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
Used to confirm your identity, match your return with IRS records, and make sure any refund or payment goes to the right place.
☐ Social Security numbers (SSNs) for you, your spouse, and dependents
☐ Legal names and dates of birth
☐ Driver’s license or state ID (if applicable)
☐ Bank account and routing numbers (for refunds or payments)
Last year’s tax info
This info helps the IRS verify your return and lets april carry over details so you don’t have to start from scratch.
☐ Last year’s AGI (Found on Line 11 of last year’s Form 1040)
☐ A copy of last year’s federal or state tax return (Form 1040), if you have it
☐ Self-select PIN (if you created one last year)
☐ IP PIN (if the IRS sent you one - usually in the case of identity theft)
If you don’t have this yet, you can still continue—there are ways to retrieve it.
Income documents
These docs show much you earned during the year and how taxes (if any) were already reported or withheld.
☐ W-2s from employers
☐ 1099s (contract work, freelance income, payment apps)
☐ Investment income forms (1099-INT, 1099-DIV, 1099-B)
☐ Retirement or benefits forms (1099-R, SSA-1099)
Other income forms (if applicable)
Covers income that doesn’t come from a job but still needs to be reported on your return.
☐ Unemployment income (1099-G)
☐ HSA distributions (1099-SA)
☐ Gambling winnings or prizes
☐ Jury duty pay or hobby income
☐ Canceled debt (1099-C)
Dependents
This will help determine whether you can claim dependents and qualify for related credits or tax benefits.
☐ Names, SSNs, and birthdates
☐ Details about who lived with you and who provided support
Deductions you may claim
Deductions help you reduce the amount of income you’re taxed on by accounting for eligible expenses and contributions.
☐ Student loan interest (1098-E)
☐ Educator expenses
☐ IRA or retirement contributions
☐ Business expenses (if self-employed)
Credits you may qualify for
Credits directly reduce your tax bill or increase your refund if you meet the requirements.
☐ Education expenses (1098-T)
☐ Childcare expenses
☐ Child Tax Credit or Credit for Other Dependents
☐ Earned Income Credit (EIC)
Payments already made
These documents help ensure you get credit for taxes you’ve already paid so you don’t overpay or miss a refund.
☐ 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.
Any third-party links are provided for informational purposes only. The third parties and their sites are not endorsed by April and April is not responsible for, and has no control over, their content, privacy policies, or terms of service.