Tax Checklist
What you need to file your taxes varies depending on your situation. Use the checklist below to find the documents and forms you'll need to get started.
What do I need to file my taxes?
The documents you need for tax prep depend on your situation. To help you prepare for your tax appointment, we’ve created a checklist to help you know what forms to bring.
Personal Information
☐ Your ID and social security number
☐ Your spouse’s ID and social security number if applicable
☐ Identity Protection PIN, if one has been issued to you, your spouse, or your dependent by the IRS
Dependent(s) Information
☐ Dates of birth and social security numbers
☐ Childcare records (including the provider’s tax ID number) if applicable
☐ Income of dependents and of other adults in your home
☐ Form 8332 showing that the child’s custodial parent is releasing their right to claim a child to you, the noncustodial parent (if applicable)
Sources of Income
Employed
☐ Forms W-2
Unemployed
☐ Unemployed, state tax refund (1099-G)
Self- Employed
☐ Forms 1099, Schedule K-1, income records to verify amounts not reported on 1099s (Zelle, Venmo, Paypal, etc.)
☐ Records of all expenses – check bank statements and receipts
☐ Business-use asset information (cost, date placed in service, etc.) for depreciation
☐ Office in home information, if applicable
☐ Record of estimated tax payments made (Form 1040–ES)
Rental Income
☐ Records of income and expenses
☐ Rental asset information (cost, date placed in service, etc.) for depreciation
Retirement Income
☐ Pension/IRS/annuity income (1099-R)
☐ Social security income (1099-SSA)
Savings & Investment or Dividends
☐ Interest, dividend income (1099-INT, 1099-OID, 1099 DIV)
☐ Income from sales of stock or other property (1099-B, 1099-S)
☐ Dates of acquisition and records of your cost or other basis in property you sold (if basis is not reported on 1099-B)
☐ Transactions involving cryptocurrency (Virtual currency)
Other Income
☐ Gambling income (W-2G)
☐ Royalty income (1099-MISC)
☐ Any other 1099s received
☐ Record of alimony paid/received with ex-spouse’s name and SSN
Types of deductions
Home Ownership
☐ Forms 1098 or other mortgage interest statements ☐ Real estate and personal property tax records
☐ Receipts for energy-saving home improvements (e.g., solar panels, solar water heater)
☐ All other 1098 series forms
Charitable Donations
☐ Cash amounts donated to houses of worship, schools, other charitable organizations
☐ Records of non-cash charitable donations
☐ Amounts of miles driven for charitable or medical purposes
Medical Expenses
☐ Amounts paid for healthcare insurance and to doctors, dentist, hospitals
Health insurance
☐ Form 1095-A (Covered CA)
☐ Form 1095-B (Medi-Cal)
☐ Form 1095-C (Employer-Provided Health Insurance)
Childcare expenses
☐ Fees paid to a licensed day care center or family day care for care of an infant or preschooler
☐ Amounts paid to a baby-sitter or provider care of your child under age 13 while you work
☐ Expenses paid through a dependent care flexible spending account at work
Educational Expenses
☐ Forms 1098-T from educational institutions
☐ Receipts that itemize qualified educational expenses
☐ Records of any scholarships or fellowships you received
☐ Form 1098-E if you paid student loan interest
K- 12 Educator Expenses
☐ Receipts for classroom expenses (for educators in grades K-12)
State and Local Taxes
☐ Amount of state and local income or sales tax paid (other than wage withholding
☐ Invoice showing amount of vehicle sales tax paid and / or personal property tax on vehicles
Other Information
☐ Record of estimated tax payments made (Form 1040-ES)
☐ Bank routing and account numbers to receive your refund by direct deposit or pay your balance due if you choose