Tax Filing Checklist 2026

• ☐ Social Security numbers for you, spouse, and dependents
• ☐ Date of birth for all household members
• ☐ Bank account and routing numbers (for direct deposit)
• ☐ Last year's tax return (for reference and AGI)
• ☐ Identity Protection PIN (if issued by IRS)

Employment Income

• ☐ W-2 forms from all employers
• ☐ Final pay stubs (to verify W-2 accuracy)

Self-Employment & Side Income

• ☐ 1099-NEC (non-employee compensation)
• ☐ 1099-K (payment card/app transactions over threshold)
• ☐ Business income and expense records
• ☐ Mileage log and vehicle expenses
• ☐ Home office measurements and expenses

Investment Income

• ☐ 1099-DIV (dividends)
• ☐ 1099-INT (interest)
• ☐ 1099-B (stock/investment sales)
• ☐ Schedule K-1 (partnership/S-corp income)
• ☐ Cryptocurrency transaction records

Other Income

• ☐ 1099-G (unemployment, state refunds)
• ☐ 1099-R (retirement distributions)
• ☐ SSA-1099 (Social Security benefits)
• ☐ 1099-MISC (rents, royalties, etc.)
• ☐ Gambling winnings (W-2G)
• ☐ Alimony received (if divorce before 2019)

Itemized Deductions (if not taking standard)

• ☐ 1098 (mortgage interest)
• ☐ Property tax statements
• ☐ State and local income tax paid
• ☐ Charitable donation receipts
• ☐ Medical expense receipts (if >7.5% of AGI)

Above-the-Line Deductions

• ☐ 1098-E (student loan interest)
• ☐ HSA contributions (Form 5498-SA)
• ☐ IRA contributions
• ☐ Self-employed health insurance premiums
• ☐ Educator expenses (up to $300)
• ☐ Alimony paid (if divorce before 2019)

Tax Credits

• ☐ Child Tax Credit info (dependents under 17)
• ☐ 1098-T (education expenses)
• ☐ Childcare expenses and provider info (Form 2441)
• ☐ Adoption expenses
• ☐ Energy-efficient home improvement receipts
• ☐ Electric vehicle purchase documentation

• ☐ 401(k) contribution records
• ☐ IRA contribution records (Form 5498)
• ☐ HSA contribution and distribution records
• ☐ Required Minimum Distribution records (age 73+)

• ☐ 1095-A (Marketplace insurance)
• ☐ 1095-B or 1095-C (employer/other coverage)
• ☐ Health insurance premium records

Free Filing

• IRS Free File: Free software for AGI ≤ $84,000
• Free File Fillable Forms: Free for any income (basic)
• VITA: Free in-person help for qualifying taxpayers

Paid Options

• Tax software (TurboTax, H&R Block, TaxAct, etc.)
• CPA or Enrolled Agent
• Tax preparation services

• ☐ Save a copy of your return for 7 years
• ☐ Track refund status at IRS.gov/refunds
• ☐ Update W-4 if you owed too much or got a large refund
• ☐ Set up estimated tax payments if needed
• ☐ Start organizing for next year