Necessary Documents to File Taxes

1. Personal Information

Make sure you have the basic personal details for yourself and your dependents:

• Social Security Numbers (SSNs) or Taxpayer Identification Numbers (TINs)

• Date of birth for each person on the return

• Bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit

2. Income Documents

This is the most important part of your return. Depending on how you earn money, here are the forms you’ll need:

• W-2 from employers

• 1099-NEC for freelance or contract work

• 1099-MISC for other types of income (prizes, awards, rent)

• 1099-INT/1099-DIV for interest or dividend income

• 1099-G for unemployment benefits or state tax refunds

• 1099-R for retirement distributions

• SSA-1099 for Social Security income

If you’re self-employed, you’ll also need:

• A profit & loss statement

• Records of business expenses

3. Deduction & Credit Documents

These can reduce your taxable income or increase your refund. Bring proof of:

• Mortgage interest (Form 1098)

• Property tax receipts

• Medical expenses (if significant)

• Charitable contributions

• Student loan interest (Form 1098-E)

• Tuition payments (Form 1098-T)

• Childcare expenses (provider info + EIN or SSN)

• Retirement contributions (IRA or HSA statements)

4. Health Insurance Information

If you purchased insurance through the marketplace:

• Form 1095-A (you must have this to file)

If you had other coverage, forms 1095-B or 1095-C may be optional but helpful.

5. Last Year’s Tax Return

This isn’t required, but it makes the process faster. It helps with:

• Carrying over unused deductions or credits

• Pre-filling basic info

• Confirming estimated tax payments

Useful Tax Resources (If You’re Still Curious)

We know some of you like to double-check things for peace of mind—totally fair! So here are a few helpful resources from official sources:

🔗 Track Your Refund
Once you file, you can track the status of your refund here:
https://www.irs.gov/refunds

🔗 Check If You Qualify for the EITC
One in five eligible people miss out on the Earned Income Tax Credit. Don’t be one of them:
https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/earned-income-tax-credit-eitc

🔗 Browse All IRS Forms and Instructions
Feeling brave? Here’s the full list of IRS forms you might need:
https://www.irs.gov/forms-instructions