Personal and household information
Gather names, current mailing address, filing status information, dependent details, and identification information requested through a secure process.
If your household changed during the year through marriage, divorce, a move, birth, adoption, or dependent changes, note those facts before preparation begins.
Income documents
Collect wage, retirement, investment, business, rental, and other income records. Common examples may include Forms W-2, 1099-INT, 1099-DIV, 1099-B, 1099-R, 1099-NEC, 1099-K, 1099-G, SSA-1099, and Schedule K-1, as applicable.
If income was received but no form was issued, keep your own records so it can still be reviewed.
Deduction and credit information
Organize charitable contribution records, mortgage interest statements such as Form 1098 when relevant, property tax information, childcare details, energy-related documents, and other deduction or credit support that may apply.
The records needed depend on your facts, filing status, and whether you itemize deductions.
Health insurance documents
If you had Marketplace coverage, Form 1095-A is especially important because it may affect premium tax credit reconciliation.
Other health coverage forms may also be useful depending on your situation and the tax year involved.
Business and self-employment records
Business owners and self-employed taxpayers should organize income records, expense categories, bank and credit card statements, mileage logs, home office information, asset purchases, loan records, payroll information, and bookkeeping reports.
Clean records help connect the return to the actual activity of the business.
Rental-property records
Gather rental income records, repairs, insurance, mortgage interest, property taxes, utilities, management fees, depreciation schedules, closing statements, and records for major improvements.
Keep separate notes for each property if more than one rental activity is involved.
Investment and cryptocurrency records
Collect brokerage statements, Forms 1099-B and 1099-DIV where relevant, sale confirmations, basis records, and cryptocurrency transaction reports or exchange summaries.
Digital asset records may require extra organization because tax forms may not always include complete basis or transaction history.
Education and retirement documents
Relevant examples may include Forms 1098-T and 1098-E, retirement contribution records, IRA information, pension or annuity documents, and distribution forms.
Education and retirement items often require both tax forms and supporting details.
Prior-year returns and IRS/state correspondence
Keep prior-year federal and state returns, carryforward schedules, depreciation schedules, notices, payment confirmations, and correspondence from tax agencies.
These records can affect current-year reporting, amended returns, and notice responses.
International and foreign-asset information, when applicable
If you have foreign accounts, foreign assets, foreign income, foreign business interests, or a foreign-owned U.S. business, gather the relevant account, entity, ownership, and income records for review.
International reporting obligations are fact-specific and should be evaluated carefully.
Key Takeaways
- Not every taxpayer needs every document, and the list is not exhaustive.
- Income forms, business records, prior-year returns, and correspondence can all affect preparation.
- Sensitive documents should be exchanged through secure channels, not ordinary email.
- International, business, rental, and investment activity often requires additional detail.
TaxFM resources provide general educational information and are not tax or legal advice. Tax rules depend on individual facts and may change. Consult a qualified professional regarding your specific situation.