The fastest tax appointments are the ones where the client brings everything the first time. Use this list to gather your documents before you come in.
Personal information
- Photo ID for you and your spouse
- Social Security cards or ITIN letters for everyone on the return, including children
- Dates of birth for all dependents
- Last year's tax return
- Bank routing and account number for direct deposit
- Your IRS Identity Protection PIN, if you have one
Income
- W-2 forms from every job
- 1099-NEC and 1099-K forms for self-employment, gig and app work
- 1099-INT and 1099-DIV for interest and dividends
- 1099-G for unemployment benefits
- SSA-1099 for Social Security benefits
- 1099-R for retirement distributions
- Records of cash income and tips
- Rental income and expenses
Deductions and credits
- Form 1098 for mortgage interest and property taxes
- Form 1098-T for college tuition and 1098-E for student loan interest
- Child care costs with the provider's name, address and tax ID
- Form 1095-A if you had Marketplace health insurance
- Charitable donation receipts
- Retirement contributions (IRA, HSA)
If you are self-employed or own a business
- Total income for the year, including payments not reported on a 1099
- Expense records: supplies, phone, software, advertising, insurance
- Mileage log for business use of your vehicle
- Home office square footage
- Estimated tax payments you made during the year
- Profit and loss statement, if you have bookkeeping
Tip: take a photo of each document as it arrives in January and February and keep them in one folder. Most W-2s and 1099s must be sent by the end of January.
This article is general information, not individual tax or legal advice. Rules and fees change; confirm current requirements with the official source or contact us about your situation.