The Complete Tax Filing Checklist for 2026
Everything you need to gather before filing your taxes this year. Our comprehensive checklist covers W-2s, 1099s, deductions, and more.
Before You Start
Tax season doesn't have to be stressful. The key to a smooth filing experience is preparation. This checklist covers everything most individuals and small business owners need to gather before sitting down with a tax professional — or before uploading documents to our secure portal.
Personal Information
- Social Security numbers for yourself, spouse, and dependents
- Date of birth for all individuals on the return
- Government-issued photo ID
- Bank account and routing numbers (for direct deposit)
- Prior year tax return (for reference and comparison)
Income Documents
- W-2 forms from all employers
- 1099-NEC for freelance or contract income
- 1099-INT for interest income
- 1099-DIV for dividend income
- 1099-B for stock or investment sales
- 1099-R for retirement distributions
- 1099-G for unemployment or state refunds
- 1099-K for payment platform income (Venmo, PayPal, etc.)
- SSA-1099 for Social Security benefits
- Rental income records and expense documentation
- Any other income documentation
Deduction Documents
- Mortgage interest statement (Form 1098)
- Property tax statements
- State and local tax records
- Charitable donation receipts
- Medical and dental expense records
- Student loan interest (Form 1098-E)
- Tuition statements (Form 1098-T)
- Educator expense receipts (for teachers)
Self-Employed / Business Documents
- Business income and expense records
- Home office measurements and expenses
- Vehicle mileage log for business use
- Equipment and asset purchase records
- Business insurance premiums
- Professional development and subscription costs
Health Insurance
- Form 1095-A (Marketplace insurance)
- Form 1095-B or 1095-C (employer or government coverage)
- Health Savings Account (HSA) contributions (Form 5498-SA)
Credits and Other Documents
- Childcare provider information and expenses (for Child and Dependent Care Credit)
- Adoption expense records
- Energy-efficient home improvement receipts
- Electric vehicle purchase documentation
- IRA and retirement contribution records
- Estimated tax payments made during the year
What's Next?
Once you've gathered these documents, you're ready to file. You can book a free consultation with our team, or get started by uploading your documents through our secure portal. We'll handle the rest — accurately and affordably.
Pro tip: Create a dedicated folder (physical or digital) for tax documents at the start of each year. As documents arrive throughout the year, drop them in. When tax season comes, you'll be ready.