DOCUMENT CHECKLIST:

Personal Information

Social Security Numbers (SSN) for yourself, your spouse, and dependents

Date of birth for you, your spouse, and dependents

Proof of identity (driver's license, passport)

Bank account information for direct deposit (routing number and account number)

Income Documents

W-2 Forms (from all employers)

1099 Forms (for independent contractors, freelancers, or other non-employee income):

1099-NEC (Nonemployee Compensation)

1099-MISC (Miscellaneous Income)

1099-K (Payment Card and Third-Party Network Transactions)

1099-DIV (Dividends)

1099-INT (Interest income)

1099-G (Unemployment benefits, state tax refunds)

1099-B (Proceeds from broker transactions)

Schedule K-1 (if you are involved in a partnership, S-corporation, or trust)

Income from rental property (Schedule E)

Social Security benefits (SSA-1099)

Alimony received (for divorces finalized before 2019)

Business Income and Expenses (for self-employed or business owners)

Income records (bank statements, invoices, and receipts)

Expense receipts (business-related expenses such as office supplies, equipment, travel, meals, etc.)

Mileage log (for business use of vehicle)

1099 Forms from clients

Records of business use of home (for home office deductions)

Employee/Contractor Information (W-9 form, SSN/ITIN copy, copy of identification)

Business Documents (Articles of Organization, EIN Letter, Business Licenses)

Deduction and Credit Documents

Childcare expenses (Form 2441)

Student loan interest (Form 1098-E)

Tuition and fees (Form 1098-T)

Mortgage interest (Form 1098)

Property tax receipts

Charitable contributions (cash, goods, and mileage)

Medical and dental expenses (only if itemizing)

Retirement contributions (IRA, 401(k), etc.)

State and local income taxes paid (if applicable)

Receipts for energy-efficient home improvements (for credits like solar or electric vehicle credits)

Investment and Retirement Information

Retirement plan distributions (Form 1099-R)

IRA contributions (Form 5498)

Stock transactions (Form 1099-B)

Dividend income (Form 1099-DIV)

Interest income (Form 1099-INT)

Cryptocurrency transactions (if applicable)

Other Documents

Last year's tax return (for reference)

Estimated tax payments made during the year

Health insurance documents (Form 1095-A, 1095-B, or 1095-C for ACA coverage)

Information on dependents (child or elder care, education, etc.)

Estate or trust income (Form 1041, K-1)

Foreign income or foreign bank accounts (if applicable)

Any notices or letters from the IRS (e.g., CP2000, notice of penalties, etc.)