Tax Document Checklist: What to Gather Before You File

Not every item applies to every filer — use this as a starting checklist, not a requirement list.

Personal information

• Social Security numbers for you, your spouse, and any dependents
• Prior-year tax return (helpful for reference even if we didn't prepare it)
• Bank account/routing number if you want a direct-deposit refund or to pay a balance electronically

Income documents

• W-2s from every employer
• 1099-NEC or 1099-MISC for contract/freelance work
• 1099-INT / 1099-DIV for bank interest and investment income
• 1099-B for stock or investment sales
• 1099-R for retirement account distributions
• K-1s if you're a partner, S-corp shareholder, or trust beneficiary
• Records of any other income (rental, gig work, unemployment, etc.)

Deductions and credits

• Mortgage interest statement (Form 1098)
• Property tax records
• Student loan interest statement (Form 1098-E)
• Tuition statements (Form 1098-T) and education expense records
• Childcare provider name, address, and tax ID (for the child care credit)
• Charitable donation receipts
• Medical expense records, if they were significant
• Health insurance marketplace statement (Form 1095-A), if applicable

If you're self-employed or run a business

• Profit and loss statement or bookkeeping records for the year
• Business expense receipts, categorized where possible
• Home office measurements, if claiming that deduction
• Mileage log, if claiming vehicle expenses
• Records of any estimated tax payments already made

Once you have what you can find, the fastest way to get started is to create a portal account and upload everything securely — we'll let you know if anything else is needed.