Preparing Personal Information for Your Tax Return: Complete Checklist

Gathering Personal Information for Your Return

Before starting your tax return, assemble all necessary personal information. This includes Social Security Numbers (or ITINs) for yourself, your spouse, and all dependents. You also need your current home address, date of birth, and bank account information for direct deposit of any refund.

Income Documents Checklist

Collect all income-related documents before filing: W-2s from all employers, 1099-NEC forms from freelance clients, 1099-INT from banks, 1099-DIV from investment accounts, 1099-B from brokerages, K-1s from partnerships or S corporations, 1099-R from retirement distributions, and SSA-1099 for Social Security benefits.

Wait until mid-February to ensure you have received all documents. Filing too early with missing income documents can result in CP2000 notices from the IRS.

Deduction and Credit Documents

Also gather documents supporting deductions and credits: mortgage interest statement (Form 1098), property tax bills, charitable donation receipts, medical expense records, education expense statements (Form 1098-T), student loan interest statement (Form 1098-E), and childcare provider information (name, address, EIN, and amounts paid).

Having all documents organized before you sit down to file — or before meeting with your tax professional — saves time and reduces the risk of errors.