What do you need to optimally complete and file your taxes? If you’re asking that question, we’ve got you covered. This article covers a comprehensive list of the most common forms, documents, and information needed to file taxes. If you need a cheat sheet, download our 1-page tax prep checklist.
To plan your tax timeline, see our article, 2025 Tax Deadline Information for Individual Filers.
Table of Contents
- Personal Information
- Income Documentation
- Deductions and Credits
- Self-Employment or Business Income
- Home Ownership Documentation
- Health Insurance Documentation
- Miscellaneous Documents
- Tax Software or Tax Professional
Note: not all of the following tax documents and information may apply to you. Use this tax prep checklist as a tool to save time ahead of tax filing.
Personal Information
- Social Security Numbers (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITIN): Needed for you, your spouse, and any dependents for identification purposes by the IRS.
- Bank Routing and Account Numbers: Required for direct deposit of any refunds or for payments due.
- Identity Protection PIN: Only applicable if a PIN has been issued to you, your spouse, or your dependent by the IRS
- Last Year’s Tax Return: Useful for reference and ensuring consistency, especially if you need to carry forward certain credits or deductions.
Income Documentation
Records showing income are the most common type of tax information used to file taxes.
- W-2 Forms: A form issued by employers to report wages, tips, and other compensation.
- 1099 Forms (1099-MISC, 1099-NEC, 1099-DIV, etc.): Forms used to report various types of income such as freelance earnings, dividends, interest, and other miscellaneous income. These forms include:
- 1099-NEC (Non-Employee Compensation): Reports payments made to independent contractors or freelancers for services performed that total $600 or more in a tax year.
- 1099-DIV (Dividends): Reports dividends and other distributions from investments, typically received from stocks or mutual funds.
- 1099-INT (Interest Income): Reports interest income earned from bank accounts, bonds, or other investments over $10 during the tax year.
- 1099-B (Proceeds from Broker and Barter Exchange Transactions): Reports proceeds from the sale of securities or other investments, including capital gains or losses.
- 1099-S (Proceeds from Real Estate Transactions): Reports income from the sale or exchange of real estate, including gains from property sales.
- 1099-MISC (Miscellaneous Information): Reports various types of income such as rent, prizes, awards, or payments not covered by other 1099 forms, typically over $600.
- Investment Income (1099-B, 1099-INT, 1099-DIV): Documents related to capital gains, dividends, or interest earned from investments.
- Unemployment Income (1099-G): Reports any unemployment compensation received during the tax year.
- Social Security Benefits (SSA-1099): A form documenting any Social Security benefits received.
- Rental Income Records: Details of rental income, including expenses related to the rental property.
- Trust Income: Reports income distributed from a trust to beneficiaries, which is typically taxable and must be reported on the recipient’s tax return.
Deductions and Credits
- Charitable Donations: Receipts or acknowledgment letters for any contributions made to charitable organizations.
- Medical Expenses: Keep records of any medical and dental expenses paid out-of-pocket, including prescriptions, treatments, and health insurance premiums.
- Mortgage Interest Statement (Form 1098): Required if you want to deduct mortgage interest paid during the year.
- State and Local Taxes Paid: Records of property taxes, state taxes, and local taxes paid, which may be deductible.
- Education Expenses (Forms 1098-T and 1098-E): Documentation for any qualified tuition payments or student loan interest paid to claim education-related credits.
- Childcare Expenses: Information on childcare providers, including their tax identification numbers and receipts of the amount paid, to claim childcare credits.
- Retirement Contributions: Proof of contributions to IRAs, 401ks, or other retirement plans, which may be deductible.
Free tax prep checklist
Take all the right steps to fully prepare for tax filing season.
Take all the right steps to fully prepare for tax filing season.
Self-Employment or Business Income
- Profit and Loss Statements: Summaries of your income and expenses if you are self-employed or own a business.
- Business Expense Receipts: Keep detailed records of all business-related expenses, including travel, supplies, and advertising.
- Business Use Asset Information: Details about assets used in a business that are eligible for depreciation. This information is critical for calculating the depreciation expense that can be deducted over the asset’s useful life.
- Estimated Tax Payments: Records of quarterly estimated tax payments made to the IRS.
- Schedule K-1: A Schedule K-1 tax form is a document used to report an individual’s share of income, deductions, credits, and other tax items from “pass-through entities” such as partnerships, S corporations, or certain trusts and estates.
Home Ownership Documentation
- Property Tax Records: Receipts or statements showing property taxes paid, which may be deductible.
- Energy-efficient Home Improvements: Receipts and documentation if you made qualifying energy-efficient improvements to your home.
Health Insurance Documentation
- Form 1095-A, 1095-B, or 1095-C: Proof of health insurance coverage, required to report health insurance on your tax return and calculate any penalties or credits.
Miscellaneous Documents
- Alimony Payments Received or Paid: Records of any alimony payments made or received during the tax year.
- Gambling Winnings (W-2G): Forms documenting any gambling winnings, which must be reported as income.
- Foreign Income or Assets: Any income earned outside the U.S. or details of foreign accounts or investments may need to be reported.
- Jury Duty Records: Reports any income received from serving on a jury, which must be included in taxable income.
- Hobby Income and Expenses: Reports income earned from activities not classified as a business, with allowable expenses only deducted up to the amount of income.
- Prizes and Awards Income: Reports the fair market value of any prizes, awards, or winnings received, which are generally taxable as income.
Tax Software or Tax Professional
- Tax Software Credentials: If using tax software, ensure you have your login details handy for filing electronically and, if desired, add your tax preparer as an authorized user on your account.
- Tax Preparer’s Contact Information: If using a professional, have their contact details and appointment scheduled early to avoid last-minute stress. At Harness, we recommend signing your engagement letter by March 15th to ensure your return can be filed on time.
Need to Find a Tax Professional for 2025?
Let a tax advisor from Harness help compile and file tax forms for your household, all while maximizing your state and federal tax returns. Tax professionals on the Harness platform specialize in working with startup employees, business owners, investors, and other professionals with complex tax situations. Annual tax filing with Harness starts at $1,500. Get started with Harness today.
Tax related products and services provided through Harness Tax LLC. Harness Tax LLC is affiliated with Harness Wealth Advisers LLC, collectively referred to as “Harness”. Harness Wealth Advisers LLC is a paid promoter, internet registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. This article should not be considered tax or legal advice and is provided for informational purposes only. Please consult a tax and/or legal professional for advice specific to your individual circumstances.
This is a product of Harness Tax LLC.
