What to Bring to Your Tax Appointment: A Complete Checklist
Coming prepared is the easiest way to get an accurate return, a faster appointment and every deduction you're owed. Use this checklist before you meet your tax preparer, in person or online.
By the Enrolled Agents and CPAs at A&W Tax Services · Updated
Personal information
- Photo ID for you and your spouse
- Social Security cards or ITIN letters for everyone on the return, including dependents
- Dates of birth for dependents
- Last year's federal tax return
- Bank routing and account number for direct deposit
- Any IRS letters you received during the year
Income documents
- W-2s from every employer
- 1099-NEC and 1099-K for contract, gig or app-based work
- 1099-INT and 1099-DIV for interest and dividends
- 1099-B for stock, crypto or other investment sales
- 1099-R for retirement distributions and SSA-1099 for Social Security
- 1099-G for unemployment
- Records of rental income and expenses
Deductions and credits
- Form 1098 for mortgage interest and property tax statements
- Form 1098-T for college tuition and 1098-E for student loan interest
- Childcare provider name, address, tax ID and amount paid
- Receipts for charitable donations
- Form 1095-A if you had Marketplace health insurance
- Records of IRA or HSA contributions
If you're self-employed or own a business
Bring a summary of income and expenses for the year — or your bookkeeping reports if we keep your books. Include mileage logs, home office measurements, equipment purchases, health insurance premiums and any estimated tax payments you made, with dates and amounts.
Missing something?
Don't let one missing form hold you up. With your permission we can request your wage and income transcript from the IRS, which shows most of the W-2s and 1099s filed under your Social Security number.