So far, over 62 million people have self-prepared their taxes this year. The key to filing your tax return online easily and stress-free is to use a tax prep checklist to gather the items you need before you file. Being organized makes it easier to take advantage of money-saving credits and deductions so you get the biggest possible refund. Use our tax prep checklist to gather everything you may need to do your taxes.
Personal information
- Social Security numbers (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITIN) for you, your spouse, and your dependents
- Birth dates for you, your spouse, and your dependents
- Driver’s license or state issued ID for you and your spouse
- A copy of last year’s tax return
- Routing number and account number to receive your refund via direct deposit
Income
- W-2 forms for you and your spouse
- 1099-C forms for cancellation of debt
- 1099-G forms for unemployment income, or state or local tax refunds
- 1099-INT, 1099-DIV, 1099-B forms for investment or interest income
- 1099-K forms for business payments
- 1099-MISC forms for miscellaneous income
- 1099-NEC forms for independent contractor or freelancer income
- 1099-R forms for distributions from IRAs or retirement plans
- 1099-S forms for sale of property income
- SSA-1099 for Social Security income
- Alimony received, paid
- Income and expense from a business
- Income and expense from rental property
- Miscellaneous income: jury duty, gambling/lottery winnings, scholarships, Medical Savings Account (MSA), unreported tip income, prizes and awards
Expenses
- Forms 1098 for mortgage interest, points and mortgage insurance premiums
- Form 1098-E for student loan interest
- Form 1098-T for tuition paid
- Federal and State estimated tax payments
- Medical and dental expenses (including medical mileage, long term care health insurance)
- Real estate and personal property taxes
- State and local taxes
- CASH and NON-CASH charitable donations (including mileage driven)
- Casualty and theft loss (only for federally declared disasters)
- Gambling losses to the extent of winnings
- Childcare costs including care provider identification
- IRA contributions
- Qualifying energy expense for home improvements
- Receipts for classroom supplies (educators in grades K-12 only)
- Receipts for moving expenses (members of the military only)
Other
- Form 1095-A, Health Insurance Marketplace Statement
- 1095-B, 1095-C Health Insurance Verification Form
