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
Related Resources
Dependent W2
Learn what to do if your dependent received a W2 and how that may impact your return with advice from the tax experts at H&R block.
Child and Dependent Care Credit
Learn more about the child care tax credit and the dependent care credit from the tax experts at H&R Block.
Tips for Filing Jointly for The First Time
Learn how to file jointly for the first time after getting married. The tax pros at H&R Block explain what you need to know about your new filing status.
Claiming A Charitable Donation Without A Receipt
Learn more about Form 8283 for claiming a tax deduction for a charitable donation without a receipt. The H&R Block tax pros explain what qualifies for a deduction.