1. What do all taxpayers need?

To prepare your taxes, the following basic information is required:

• SSN or ITIN, legal name, and date of birth.

• Driver’s license information.

• Bank account and routing number for direct deposit.

• Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN).

• Record of estimated tax payments made (Form 1040-ES).

• Previous year’s tax return.

2. Where did you earn income?

We’ll need documentation for any income you earned, including:

• Forms such as W-2, 1095, 1098, 1099, or Schedule K-1.

• Payment Card and Third-Party Network Transaction forms (Form 1099-K).

• Records of other income (jury duty, gambling winnings, Medicaid waiver payments, etc.).

• Closing statements for any real estate transactions (purchases or sales).

• Alimony payments/receipts and ex-spouse’s SSN (if applicable).

• Unemployment income or state tax refund (Form 1099-G).

3. Did you have education-related expenses?

For educational deductions or credits, provide:

• Records of scholarships and fellowships received.

• Records of tuition and higher education expenses paid (Form 1098-T).

• Student loan interest paid (Form 1098-E).

• Receipts for classroom expenses (educators in grades K-12).

4. Healthcare forms and expense records?

If you have healthcare-related expenses, you’ll need:

• Form 1095-A (if insured through the Marketplace).

• HAS information (Forms 5498, 1099-SA) and medical expense receipts.

• Records of unreimbursed medical expenses.

5. Do you have investments or retirement plans?

If you have investments or retirement plans, you’ll need:

• Purchase date and total investment in any stocks you sold.

• Records of any contributions you made to or distributions form IRAs, other retirement plans, and 529 plans or education savings accounts (Form 1099-R)

• Records of transactions involving cryptocurrency or other digital assets.

6. Have you made charitable donations?

For any charitable giving, provide:

• Records of scholarships and fellowships received.

• Records of tuition and higher education expenses paid (Form 1098-T).

• Records of cash donations to qualified organizations (e.g., churches or schools).

• Records of non-cash donations and mileage driven for charitable purposes.

• Receipts for classroom expenses (educators in grades K-12).

7. Do you have any dependents?

If you’re claiming dependents, bring:

• Childcare records, including the amount paid and the provider’s ID number.

• Form 8332 (if applicable) for noncustodial parents claiming a child.

• Records of adoption costs, including SSN of the child and legal/medical expenses.

8. Are you a property owner?

For property owners, the following documents may apply:

• Form 1098 for mortgage interest and property tax records.

• Documentation of any property lost/damaged due to natural disaster or theft.

• Records of home energy improvements or clean vehicle purchases.

• State and local taxes paid (property, sales, income, or vehicle fees).

9. Are you self-employed, an independent contractor, or a rental property owner?

For self-employment or rental income, please provide:

• Records of business or rental income and expenses.

• Non-employee compensation forms (Form 1099-NEC).

• Payment Card and Third-Party Network Transaction forms (Form 1099-K).