Eight documents you must have to file a tax return

Whether you prepare your tax return online using software or plan to consult a qualified tax professional, make sure you have all the necessary documents on hand. A list of these documents is published Money Talks News.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) typically receives a copy of every form mentioned in this article, so it's crucial that the information you or your tax professional enters on your return exactly matches what's on the forms you send to the IRS.

Here's a list of the most important documents you may need to file Form 1040 (US Individual Income Tax Return) for 2025 (deadline: April 15, 2026).

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Form W-2

The W-2 Wage and Tax Statement form contains information about an employee's income and taxes withheld for the previous year. If you had multiple employers, you will need a W-2 from each. Most employers provide a copy of the W-2 online, and companies are generally required to mail out W-2 forms by January 31.

Form W-2G

If you had any luck playing slot machines or other forms of gambling last year, you likely received a W-2G form from the casino, "Certain Gambling Winnings." This is why you must report this income on your federal tax return. Even if you won money gambling but didn't receive a W-2G, the IRS requires you to report this income on your tax return. If you lost money gambling, you can deduct losses up to the amount of your winnings as an itemized deduction. For example, if you won $2000 and lost $1000, you can deduct $1000 of the loss; if you won $2000 and lost $3000, you can only deduct $2000 of the loss (since winnings are capped at $2000). But this is again an itemized deduction. This means that only taxpayers who use itemized deductions instead of the standard deduction can write off gambling losses.

Forms 1099 for earned income

There are several types of 1099 forms that provide information about different types of income reported to the IRS. The types of 1099 forms you may receive for earned income (work income) include:

• 1099-NEC Nonemployee Compensation: If you own a business or work as a contractor (not as an employee), this form shows income earned from the companies or individuals for whom you worked.
• 1099-K Payment Card and Third-Party Network Transactions: This form is for those who accept payment for goods or services by credit card or through third-party platforms (for example, reselling on eBay or driving for Uber to supplement their income). Small business owners, freelancers, and other gig economy workers who received over $20,000 in more than 200 transactions in 2025 should expect this form from every platform.

Important: All income is taxable, even if you don't receive a 1099, and the IRS expects you to report it.

Expense documents for 1099 income

Under current tax law, employees (those receiving W-2 forms) cannot deduct unreimbursed business expenses (uniforms, union dues, etc.). However, those receiving 1099 forms can deduct allowable expenses related to 1099 income. For example, expenses on materials, marketing, tools, or business supplies are deductible and reported on Schedule C, so it's important to keep records of these expenses. If you use a car for business, you need detailed records to apply the standard mileage rate of 70 cents per mile in 2025.

Other types of 1099 forms

Here are some of the most common 1099 forms for unearned income (often taxable):

• 1099-B Proceeds From Broker and Barter Exchange Transactions: If you sold securities or investments last year, the income will be reported here. Barter exchanges may also be listed.
• 1099-C Cancellation of Debt: Form reports a debt that has been settled and paid for less than the original amount (such as credit card debt or a personal loan).
• 1099-DIV Dividends and Distributions: Form shows dividends or income from investments in banks or other financial institutions.
• 1099-G Certain Government Payments: If you received unemployment benefits or a state/government tax refund last year, get this form.
• 1099-INT Interest Income: Any interest of $10 or more is reported here (savings, deposits, savings bonds, etc.).
• 1099-MISC Miscellaneous Income: Form for income without a separate 1099 form—prizes, rental income, awards of $600 or more.
• 1099-R Distributions From Pensions, Annuities, Retirement or Profit-Sharing Plans, IRAs, Insurance Contracts, etc.: When you receive retirement benefits from a pension, 401(k), IRA, etc., you will receive a 1099-R with the withdrawal amount. Check the distribution code in Box 7—it indicates whether the withdrawal was early (which may incur a penalty). The form may be slightly different for military or federal employees.
• 1099-S Proceeds From Real Estate Transactions: If you sold a home or other property in the past year, the details of the sale will be here.

Forms 1099 for Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits

If you receive Social Security benefits, you'll receive Form SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S. This annual report shows the total amount of your benefits for the previous year. If any of your benefits were withheld for federal income tax or Medicare premiums, that will also be noted. Form SSA-1099 is usually mailed in January. If you can't find it, you can get a copy through your Social Security online account. If you receive benefits from the US Railroad Retirement Board (RRB), you may receive Form RRB-1099. As with Social Security, some railroad benefits may be taxable. However, it's up to you (or your tax professional) to determine whether you owe tax.

Forms 1098

There are several types of 1098 forms that report other financial transactions. In some cases, amounts from these forms can be deducted. These types of 1098 forms include:

• 1098 Mortgage Interest Statement: Mortgage companies deduct interest if you paid $600 or more last year. You can deduct it if you itemize your deductions instead of the standard deduction.
• 1098-C Contributions of Motor Vehicles, Boats, and Planes: Receive a 1098-C when donating a motor vehicle, boat, or plane valued at more than $500. These donations are only deductible for itemized deductions.
• 1098-E Student Loan Interest Statement: This form reports interest on student loans. You can claim up to $2500 in deductions on your federal return, regardless of itemized deductions or the standard deduction.
• 1098-F Fines, Penalties, and Other Amounts: Fines, penalties, and other amounts assessed by the court are reported here. Most of these amounts are not deductible.
• 1098-T Tuition Statement: If you paid for classes for yourself or a dependent last year, Form 1098-T can help you claim the education tax credit if you qualify.

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Other useful documents

Whether you're filing your tax return yourself or through a professional, you'll likely need the following information and documents before you begin:

• Social Security Number: You need a Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) for each person you claim on your return.
• Bank account details: Remember the bank's routing number and your checking or savings account number to receive your refund electronically. If you owe money to the IRS, you can pay it the same way.
• Tax Payments: If you paid quarterly taxes for 2025, please include the amount and payment date on your tax return.
• Previous Year's Return: In most cases, if you use the same program or company as last year, the data from the previous return will automatically be pulled into the current one.

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