Tax Documents You Need to File
Complete checklist of all forms and documents required for filing your taxes
Before you file your taxes, gather all the documents you need. Missing forms can delay your refund or cause errors.✓ Start collecting documents in January when they arrive
📊Income Documents
These forms show how much money you earned during the year
W-2
By January 31Wage and Tax Statement
Who gets it:
Employees with a regular job
What it shows:
Annual wages, tips, and taxes withheld
1099-NEC
By January 31Nonemployee Compensation
Who gets it:
Freelancers, contractors, self-employed
What it shows:
Income from freelance or contract work
1099-K
By January 31Payment Card and Third Party Network Transactions
Who gets it:
Anyone with payment app transactions over $600
What it shows:
Payments through Venmo, PayPal, CashApp, etc.
1099-INT
By January 31Interest Income
Who gets it:
Anyone who earned over $10 in interest
What it shows:
Interest from bank accounts, bonds, etc.
1099-DIV
By January 31Dividends and Distributions
Who gets it:
Investors who received dividends
What it shows:
Dividend income from stocks, mutual funds
1099-B
By February 15Proceeds from Broker and Barter Exchange
Who gets it:
Anyone who sold stocks, crypto, or other investments
What it shows:
Capital gains/losses from sales
1099-R
By January 31Distributions from Retirement Accounts
Who gets it:
Anyone who took money from a 401k, IRA, pension
What it shows:
Retirement account withdrawals
1099-G
By January 31Government Payments
Who gets it:
Anyone who received unemployment benefits or state tax refunds
What it shows:
Unemployment compensation, tax refunds
1099-MISC
By January 31Miscellaneous Income
Who gets it:
Recipients of rent, royalties, prizes, awards
What it shows:
Other types of income not covered elsewhere
SSA-1099
By January 31Social Security Benefit Statement
Who gets it:
Social Security recipients
What it shows:
Social Security benefits received
📋Deduction Documents
Only needed if you itemize deductions (most people take the standard deduction)
Homeownership
- •
1098
Mortgage interest statement
- •
Property tax bill
Real estate taxes paid
- •
Home improvement receipts
For certain energy-efficient upgrades
Education
- •
1098-T
Tuition statement from college
- •
1098-E
Student loan interest paid
- •
Scholarship letters
For reporting taxable scholarships
Medical Expenses
- •
Medical bills
Doctor, hospital, dental, vision
- •
Prescription receipts
Pharmacy expenses
- •
Insurance premium statements
Health insurance you paid
- •
Mileage log
Medical-related travel
Charitable Donations
- •
Donation receipts
From qualified charities (501c3)
- •
Bank statements
For cash donations
- •
Appraisal reports
For property/vehicle donations over $5,000
Business/Self-Employment
- •
Business income records
All sales, invoices, 1099s
- •
Expense receipts
Supplies, equipment, software
- •
Mileage log
Business use of vehicle
- •
Home office records
If claiming home office deduction
- •
Estimated tax payments
Quarterly tax payment records
Retirement Contributions
- •
5498
IRA contribution information
- •
W-2 (Box 12)
Shows 401k contributions
- •
HSA statements
Health Savings Account contributions
💳Tax Credit Documents
Documents needed to claim tax credits that reduce your tax bill
Child Tax Credit
You'll need:
- ✓Social Security numbers for each child
- ✓Birth certificates
- ✓Proof of relationship (if applicable)
Earned Income Credit (EITC)
You'll need:
- ✓Social Security numbers
- ✓All income documents
- ✓Investment income records
Child and Dependent Care Credit
You'll need:
- ✓Daycare provider name, address, EIN/SSN
- ✓Receipts for care expenses
- ✓Work-related expense records
Adoption Credit
You'll need:
- ✓Adoption decree
- ✓Legal fees and expenses
- ✓Court documents
- ✓Social Security number of child
Education Credits (AOTC, LLC)
You'll need:
- ✓Form 1098-T from school
- ✓Tuition payment receipts
- ✓Scholarship/grant information
Premium Tax Credit (Health Insurance)
You'll need:
- ✓Form 1095-A from Healthcare.gov
- ✓Monthly premium payment records
- ✓Income documentation
📌Other Important Documents
Prior year tax return
Helpful for reference and carryovers
Social Security cards
For you, spouse, and dependents
Bank account info
For direct deposit of refund
Last year AGI
For e-file verification
IP PIN (if applicable)
Identity Protection PIN from IRS
💡Pro Tips for Organizing Your Documents
Create a tax folder
Keep all documents in one place (physical or digital)
Check your mail in January
Most tax forms arrive by January 31
Don't file too early
Wait until mid-February to ensure all forms have arrived
Keep copies for 3-7 years
IRS can audit returns from the past 3 years (7 if major issues)
Use the IRS website
You can get transcripts and copies of past returns at IRS.gov
❗Missing a Document?
- •Contact the issuer (employer, bank, etc.) and request a copy
- •Check online accounts - many companies provide digital copies
- •Use IRS Get Transcript to see what the IRS has on file
- •File an extension if you need more time (but pay any owed taxes by April 15)