Filing taxes doesn’t have to feel overwhelming even though being unprepared often is. One of the easiest ways to avoid delays, errors, or missed deductions is knowing what to gather before your return is prepared – hence the tax filing checklist.
This checklist is designed to help you feel organized and confident going into tax season, especially if your income, family situation, or work arrangement has changed. It also makes filing a lot more seamless. While not every document you may require is listed, this gives a good overall idea of what you need to have to file your taxes.
Personal Information to Have Ready
Before anything else, make sure you have:
- Social Security numbers for you, your spouse, and dependents
- Dates of birth for dependents
- A copy of last year’s tax return (helpful for reference)
- Bank account and routing numbers (for refunds or payments)
Income Documents
Be prepared to provide documentation for all income received, including:
- W-2s from employers
- 1099 forms (NEC, MISC, INT, DIV, K)
- Self-employment or side income records
- Unemployment income statements
- Social Security benefit statements
- Retirement or pension income forms
Please keep in mind that income that wasn’t taxed upfront still needs to be reported.
Deduction & Expense Records
Depending on your situation, gather:
- Mortgage interest statements
- Property tax records
- Student loan interest statements
- Medical expense records
- Charitable donation receipts
- Education and tuition statements
- Records for any eligible work or business expenses
Not every expense applies to every taxpayer, which is why proper review matters.
Credit-Related Documents
If you may qualify for tax credits, have:
- Childcare expense records
- Education-related forms
- Dependent care documentation
- Energy-efficient home improvement receipts
Credits can directly reduce taxes owed, but eligibility depends on several factors.
Why Preparation Matters
Being prepared helps ensure:
- Income is reported accurately
- Deductions and credits aren’t missed
- Returns are completed with fewer errors
- Refunds aren’t delayed unnecessarily
Please feel free to download my time saving tax filing checklist to keep you on track this season.
If you have any questions or you’re not sure which documents you would need for your situation, please reach out to me and I will review your tax documents at no extra cost.
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