Document Checklist
Gather these before you start.
You won't need every item, just the ones that apply to your situation. Anything you're missing can be added later from your portal.
Identification
- Government-issued photo ID for you (and your spouse, if filing jointly)
- Social Security cards for everyone on the return
- Birth certificates for any dependents you are claiming
- Identity Protection PIN, if the IRS issued you one
Prior year
- Last year's federal and state tax returns
- Any IRS or state notices received during the year
- Record of estimated tax payments made
Income
- W-2s from every employer
- 1099-NEC / 1099-MISC for contract work
- 1099-G for unemployment or state refunds
- 1099-R for pensions and retirement distributions
- 1099-INT, 1099-DIV, and 1099-B for interest, dividends, and stock sales
- SSA-1099 for Social Security benefits
- W-2G for gambling or lottery winnings
- Rental income and expense records
- Self-employment income and expense records, including your EIN if you have one
Deductions and credits
- 1098-T for tuition and 1098-E for student loan interest
- Childcare provider name, address, EIN, and amount paid
- Mortgage interest (1098) and property tax statements
- Rent paid and length of tenancy, if you rent
- Charitable contribution receipts
- Medical expense records
- 1095-A if you had Marketplace health insurance
Refund details
- Bank name, routing number, and account number for direct deposit
- Voided check, if you have one handy
Photos of documents are fine as long as all four corners and every number are clearly readable. Lay the document flat, use good light, and avoid shadows.