Tax Information Center : Filing : Tax Preparation and Services
Question

I’m not certain what I need to file taxes. I know there are specific documents needed for filing taxes — Forms, records and receipts — What information should I have on-hand to prepare my return?

Answer

Depending on your situation, you’ll need a variety of documents for tax preparation. Here are some common items you might need when filing:

  • Your Social Security number (SSN) or taxpayer identification number (ITIN) and SSNs or ITINs for spouse and dependent or dependents (if any)
  • Your birth date and birth date for spouse and dependents (if any)
  • Income source documents:
    • W-2 – wages and salary
    • W-2G – gambling winnings
    • Form 1099-R – retirement income
    • Form 1099-INT – interest
    • Form 1099-DIV – dividends
    • Form 1099-MISC – miscellaneous income, including self-employment
    • Form 1099-G – government payments
    • Form 1099-SA – MSA or HSA distributions
    • Form 1099-B – broker or barter exchanges
    • Form SSA-1099 – Social Security benefits
    • Form RRB-1099 – railroad retirement
    • Schedule K-1 – partnership income or loss
  • Documents that reflect items you might have paid during the year:
    • Form 1098 – mortgage interest
    • Form 1098-E – student loan interest
    • Form 1098-T – tuition
    • Form 1095 – Health Coverage (there are different versions and you may have more than one.)
  • Records and receipts to document:
    • Unreimbursed mileage related to work or volunteering
    • Charitable donations
    • Contributions to retirement plans
    • Healthcare expenses
    • Self-employment income and expenses, including any:
      • Home-office expenses
      • Health-insurance premiums paid
      • Transportation costs
      • Advertising fees
    • Rental property
    • Moving expenses, if you moved for a new job
    • Expenses for energy-efficient home improvements
    • Tuition or fees paid for education for you, spouse, or dependents
    • Retirement account rollovers
    • Child care and dependent care expenses, including the employer identification number (EIN) or SSN of the care provider
  • A copy of last year’s return
  • Financial account information to pay any balance due or receive any refund

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