Essential documents and information needed to file your taxes

## Personal Information and Identification Before starting your tax return, gather these essential personal documents: - **Social Security Numbers (SSNs)** or **Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs)** for yourself, spouse, and dependents - Valid government-issued ID - Birth dates for all family members - Bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit - Prior year's tax return (recommended for reference) ## Income Documentation ### W-2 Forms Employers must provide W-2 forms by January 31st, showing annual wages and tax withholdings. Collect W-2s from all employers if you worked multiple jobs. ### 1099 Forms Various 1099 forms report different types of income: * **1099-NEC**: Independent contractor/freelance income * **1099-INT**: Interest earned from banks and investments * **1099-DIV**: Dividend income from stocks * **1099-MISC**: Miscellaneous income * **1099-G**: Unemployment compensation or state tax refunds * **1099-R**: Distributions from pensions, retirement plans, or insurance contracts * **1099-B**: Proceeds from broker transactions ## Deduction and Credit Documentation ### Home-Related Documents * Mortgage interest statements (Form 1098) * Property tax receipts * Home office expenses (if applicable) * Record of estimated tax payments ### Other Common Deductions * Charitable donation receipts and acknowledgment letters * Medical and dental expense records * State and local income tax payments * Educational expense documents (Form 1098-T) * Student loan interest statements (Form 1098-E) * Childcare expenses and provider's tax ID number ## Business Records (If Self-Employed) * Business income records * Receipts for business expenses * Vehicle mileage logs * Home office measurements and expenses * Business asset purchases * Quarterly estimated tax payment records * Bank statements and invoices ## Investment and Retirement Information * Investment account statements * IRA contribution records (Form 5498) * HSA contribution records * 401(k) and other retirement account statements * Investment sale records for capital gains/losses * Cryptocurrency transaction records ## Healthcare Documentation * Form 1095-A (if insurance purchased through Healthcare Marketplace) * Form 1095-B or 1095-C (showing health coverage) * Medical expense receipts * HSA or FSA contribution and distribution records > **Pro Tip**: Create a dedicated "tax folder" at the beginning of each year to collect these documents as they arrive, making tax season less stressful. ## Digital Organization and Record Retention Consider using [IRS-approved tax preparation software](https://www.irs.gov/filing/irs-free-file-do-your-taxes-for-free) to streamline the filing process. Keep tax records according to these guidelines: 1. General tax records: 3 years from filing date 2. Employment tax records: 4 years 3. Property records: Until property is sold + 3 years 4. Bad debt claims: 7 years 5. Loss claims: 7 years For detailed information about tax documents and requirements, visit the [IRS website](https://www.irs.gov/forms-instructions) or consult with a tax professional. Remember that state tax requirements may differ from federal ones, so check your state's specific documentation requirements.

Essential documents and information needed to file your taxes

Related articles