Coming to your tax appointment prepared saves time and helps make sure nothing gets missed. This checklist covers the most common documents needed for individual and small business returns. Not every item will apply to your situation — review the list and gather what is relevant to you.
Personal Information
- Social Security numbers for you, your spouse, and any dependents
- Prior-year tax return (helpful for reference and to verify carry-forward amounts)
- Bank account and routing number for direct deposit of any refund
Income Documents
Employment
- Form W-2 from each employer (should arrive by January 31)
Self-employment and freelance
- All Form 1099-NEC and 1099-K received
- Business income records if some income was not reported on a 1099
- Business expense records (receipts, mileage log, home office measurements)
Investments
- Form 1099-B for stock and mutual fund sales
- Form 1099-DIV for dividends
- Form 1099-INT for bank interest
Rental income
- Rental income records
- Expense receipts (repairs, insurance, property tax, mortgage interest)
Other income
- Form 1099-SSA if you received Social Security benefits
- Form 1099-R for pension, annuity, or IRA distributions
- Gambling winnings documentation (Form W-2G if provided)
- Alimony received (for agreements before 2019)
- Unemployment compensation (Form 1099-G)
Deductions and Credits
If you itemize
- Mortgage interest statement (Form 1098)
- Property tax receipts
- Charitable contribution receipts (for donations over $250, written acknowledgment is required)
- Medical and dental expense records
Education
- Form 1098-T from colleges or universities
- Records of student loan interest paid (Form 1098-E)
Retirement
- IRA contribution records
- Form 5498 (usually arrives after filing season — keep it for your records)
Childcare
- Name, address, and Tax ID or Social Security number of your childcare provider
- Amount paid for dependent care
Health coverage
- Form 1095-A if you bought insurance through the marketplace
- Form 1095-B or 1095-C from your employer or insurer
What to Do If a Document Is Missing
Contact your employer or financial institution. If a W-2 or 1099 is missing by February, you can request a copy directly or use IRS Form 4852 as a substitute. The IRS also has a transcript service at irs.gov that shows income reported under your Social Security number.
Bringing It All Together
Organizing your documents before your appointment makes the process faster and more accurate. If you are not sure whether something is relevant, bring it anyway. Schedule your tax appointment with Financial Ace and we will work through everything together.