What Documents Do I Need to File My Taxes?
Before you start a tax return, it helps to gather everything in one place. This guide walks through the most common documents you'll need so you're not digging through drawers halfway through.
💡 Pro Tip: Create a simple "tax folder" (physical or digital) and drop these documents in throughout the year. When it's time to file, your work is halfway done.
👤Personal information
- •Social Security numbers (or ITINs) for you and your spouse
- •Social Security numbers for any dependents you plan to claim
- •Current address and prior-year tax return (helpful, not required)
💰Income documents
These forms report the money you earned. You may have one, or many of them:
💼Employment Income
- ✓W-2 from each employer (what is a W-2?)
- ✓1099-NEC for freelance or contractor work
- ✓1099-K for payments via platforms (gig work, payment apps)
- ✓1099-MISC for other income like prizes or awards
📊Investment & Other Income
- ✓1099-INT for interest from bank accounts
- ✓1099-DIV for dividends from investments
- ✓1099-B for stock or crypto sales
- ✓1099-G for unemployment or state tax refunds
- ✓SSA-1099 for Social Security benefits
Not sure if something counts as income? Save the document anyway and ask a professional or your tax software.
🚀Self-employment and small business records
If you are self-employed, drive for apps, or run a side business, you'll want:
- •A summary of your income (1099 forms plus any income not reported on a form)
- •Records of business expenses (receipts, statements, logs)
- •Mileage logs if you use your car for business
- •Home office measurements and expenses (if applicable)
Good records can lower your taxable income by backing up legitimate deductions.
💸Deductions and credits: what to collect
Deductions and credits can significantly reduce what you owe or increase your refund. Common items include:
🏠 Homeownership
- •Mortgage interest statement (Form 1098)
- •Property tax bills
🎓 Education
- •Student loan interest (Form 1098-E)
- •Tuition statements (Form 1098-T)
👶 Family
- •Childcare provider statements with amounts paid and EIN/SSN
🎁 Other Deductions
- •Charitable donation receipts
- •Medical expenses (if itemizing)
- •Retirement account contributions (IRA)
🏥Health insurance information
For certain years, health coverage may affect your tax return. Keep:
- •Form 1095-A (if you used the Health Insurance Marketplace)
- •Form 1095-B or 1095-C (if provided by insurer or employer)
🏦Bank & refund details
If you're expecting a refund and want direct deposit, have:
- •Bank routing number
- •Bank account number
- •Type of account (checking or savings)
❓What if I'm missing something?
Don't panic. Many forms can be re-issued or downloaded:
- →Employers can reissue W-2s.
- →Banks and brokers often provide 1099s online.
- →Schools can resend tuition statements.
Ready to file?
Once you have this core set of documents, you're ready for the next step: actually filing your taxes.