What Documents Do I Need for My Tax Return?

Tax preparation becomes much easier when you start with the right information.

You may not need every document on this list. Your tax situation determines what applies to you. But organizing your records before your appointment can reduce delays, prevent missed information, and make the filing process more efficient.

1. Personal Information

Have basic identifying information available for yourself, your spouse if filing jointly, and any dependents you may claim.

This may include:

• Social Security Numbers or ITINs
• Dates of birth
• Current address
• Prior-year tax return, especially if you are a new Bany Tax client
• Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN), if the IRS issued one to you

2. Income Documents

Bring all documents showing income you received during the year.

Common examples include:

• W-2s from employers
• 1099-NEC for independent contractor income
• 1099-MISC
• 1099-K
• 1099-INT for interest
• 1099-DIV for dividends
• 1099-B for investment transactions
• 1099-R for retirement distributions
• SSA-1099 for Social Security benefits
• Unemployment income documents
• K-1s from partnerships, S corporations, estates, or trusts

Don't assume a form is unimportant because the amount seems small. Bring it and let your tax professional determine how it should be treated.

3. Self-Employment or Business Information

If you operate a business or earn money independently, tax preparation requires more than your 1099s.

You may also need:

• Total business income
• Business expenses
• Vehicle or mileage records
• Equipment and asset purchases
• Business insurance
• Rent
• Advertising and marketing expenses
• Professional fees
• Payroll information
• Contractor payments
• Business loan interest
• Other records related to operating the business

Good bookkeeping throughout the year makes this process significantly easier.

4. Home and Property Information

Depending on your situation, useful records may include:

• Mortgage interest statements
• Property tax records
• Closing documents from buying or selling real estate
• Rental income and expenses
• Records of major improvements to rental or investment property

Real estate transactions can have tax consequences that extend beyond the year in which money changes hands, so retaining your records is important.

5. Education, Childcare and Family Information

You may need documentation related to:

• College tuition
• Student loan interest
• Childcare expenses
• Dependent care providers
• Adoption-related expenses
• Changes in custody or dependent arrangements

If another person may also be eligible to claim a dependent, tell your preparer before filing.

6. Health Insurance Information

If you obtained health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace, bring your Form 1095-A.

This document can be particularly important because Marketplace coverage may affect the calculation of the Premium Tax Credit.

7. Potential Deductions and Credits

Depending on your circumstances, bring records for items such as:

• Charitable contributions
• Certain medical expenses
• Retirement contributions
• Health Savings Account contributions or distributions
• Energy-efficient home improvements
• Estimated tax payments

Not every expense automatically creates a deduction. The goal is to provide the information so the correct tax treatment can be determined.

What If I'm Missing Something?

Don't delay asking for help because your records aren't perfect.

Start with what you have.

A good tax preparation process identifies what's present, what's missing, and what actually matters before the return is completed.

Ready to Prepare Your Return?

Schedule a tax appointment with Bany Tax. After your initial appointment, we'll provide the appropriate secure intake process for your situation.