Federal tax filing checklist
Gather these before you open tax software. Check what applies to your situation — not every filer needs every item.
Identity & household
- SSNs or ITINs for you, spouse, and dependents
- Date of birth for each person on the return
- IRS Identity Protection PIN (if issued)
- Last year’s AGI (for e-file identity check)
- Bank routing & account numbers (refund or payment)
Income documents
- Form W-2 from every employer
- 1099-NEC / 1099-MISC (contracting, prizes, rents)
- 1099-INT, 1099-DIV, 1099-B (banks & brokers)
- 1099-G (unemployment, state refunds)
- 1099-K / payment apps (if you received one)
- SSA-1099 / RRB-1099 (Social Security / railroad)
- K-1s from partnerships, S corps, or trusts
- Crypto / digital asset transaction records
Deductions & credits
- Form 1098 (mortgage interest) & property tax records
- Charitable donation receipts / acknowledgments
- 1098-E (student loan interest) / 1098-T (tuition)
- Childcare provider EIN/SSN and amounts paid
- Form 1095-A (Marketplace health coverage)
- IRA / HSA contribution records
- Energy / EV credit documentation (if claiming)
Self-employed extras
- Business income & expense totals (or bookkeeping export)
- Mileage log / home office measurements
- Quarterly estimated tax payments already made
- Quarterly 941/state payroll records if you have employees
Next: How to file step-by-step · W-2 vs 1099 · Compare tax software
Important disclaimer
TaxPrepGuru provides general educational information about U.S. federal taxes. We are not a CPA firm, Enrolled Agent practice, or law firm. Nothing on this site is tax, legal, or financial advice. Tax rules change; always confirm figures and forms on IRS.gov or with a qualified tax professional before filing.