What to Bring to a Tax Appointment (Tax Checklist)

January 29, 2026
A 1040 tax return document is on a desk next to a calculator, a stack of money, a smartphone, and a sticky note that reads, “Tax Time!”.

Here is a customizable and printable version of the Tax Appointment Checklist.

***Leer en español: Qué documentos llevar a una cita para realizar sus impuestos (lista de verificación para impuestos).***

Here’s a list of documents you need to help ensure you file taxes accurately. You can file for free at a VITA site or online at GetYourRefund, or MyFreeTaxes. You can also file your taxes with a paid preparer. If filing at a VITA site or paid preparer, check before your appointment if there are other documents you need to bring.

Personal documents

Bring all documents below.

  • Photo ID
  • Social Security Cards, Social Security Number verification letters, or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number assignment letters for you, your spouse, and any dependents
  • Birth dates for you, your spouse, and dependents on the tax return
  • Bank account and routing number for at least one of the following:
    • Checking or savings account at a bank or credit union
    • Prepaid card (check the website listed on your card for deposit instructions)
    • Mobile apps used for sending and receiving money
  • 2023 and 2024 tax return, if you have them
  • Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN), if you have one

Income

Bring all documents that apply.

Employment Income

  • W-2 form(s) for all jobs last year (your employer(s) will have sent you this by January 31st by mail and/or by email).
  • Overtime pay records (last pay stub of the year)

Gig, Contract, or Self-Employment Income

  • 1099-NEC and/or 1099-K
  • Records of income received and not reported on 1099 forms that include who paid you and the amounts
  • Records of expenses including receipts, credit statements, etc.
  • Record of estimated tax payments

Retirement or Disability Benefits

  • SSA-1099 form for Social Security benefits
  • 1099-R for pension/IRA/annuity income

Unemployment Income

Other sources of income

  • 1099-G for refund of state/local income taxes
  • 1098-T for scholarships/fellowships
  • Income or loss from the sale of stocks, bonds, or real estate
  • Income or loss from rental property
  • Alimony received
  • Statements for prizes or lottery/gambling winnings
  • 1099-INT/1099-DIV for Interest and dividend statements from banks
  • Tip income records (for both W-2 and self-employed workers): documents may include Form 1099-NEC, Form 1099-MISC, Form 1099-K, and/or a personal log of tip income
  • Records for any other income

Expenses

You may be able to claim tax deductions for some of the expenses you have. These deductions reduce the income you are taxed on. Bring documentation for all the following expenses you have.

  • Retirement contributions, including a 401(k) or IRA
  • State and local taxes you’ve paid
  • Mortgage statements and property tax bills if you are a homeowner
  • College tuition (Form 1098-T), receipts for school books and supplies, and student loan statements (Form 1098-E)
  • Childcare expenses in 2025, including payment records or receipts and provider’s name, address, and federal tax ID number (either their Social Security Number or Employment Identification Number)
  • Receipts for charitable donations
  • Medical and dental bills
  • Records for supplies used as an educator
  • New car loan interest: Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and lender interest statement for cars purchased in 2025

 Other Tax Documents or Notices

  • Form 1095-A if you had coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace
  • Letters or documents from the IRS, state or local tax agencies, or the Health Insurance Marketplace