What documents do you need to collect before filing your tax return?

We'll be filing our 2025 tax returns from February to April 15, 2026. But you can start calculating your income, expenses, and deductions, as well as gathering the necessary documents, now.

Even if you hire a specialist, and even more so if you fill out the declaration yourself, you will need certain information and documents.

This checklist covers the basics common to most taxpayers, but everyone's taxes are unique. Therefore, you may need to adapt this checklist to your situation, explains Nerd wallet.

personal information

• Last year's tax return (if you filed one). Your federal and (if applicable) state tax returns aren't required, but they can help you remember what you filed last year and what documents you used. Plus, if you use tax software, many services can pull up your return from last year, saving you time on manual data entry.
• Social Security numbers and/or tax identification numbers - you, your spouse, and all dependents (including children, elderly parents, and other persons you support).
• IP PIN. If you, your spouse, or a dependent was issued an Identity Protection PIN by the IRS, you will need to provide it.
• Bank account details. If you want to receive a tax refund or pay your tax bill via bank transfer, have your account and routing numbers ready.

On the subject: Nine States Cut Taxes in 2025: Which Regions Will Save Money?

Documents confirming income

Collect all documents confirming the income received last year.

• Form W-2. Employers had to mail or submit W-2s by January 31.
• Forms 1099. These forms reflect additional income earned during the year. They come in different types depending on the source of income. They are sent from January 31 to mid-February. Some common forms are:
  • 1099-NEC - for contract work.
  • 1099-MISC – for one-time income (e.g. game winnings, royalties or rent).
  • 1099-K – If you were paid $5000 or more for goods or services through a third party (such as PayPal or Venmo) in 2025.
  • 1099-INT, 1099-DIV, 1099-B – for interest, dividends or brokerage transactions (depending on the type of investment income).

Deductions

Deductions help reduce your taxable income, which usually lowers your tax bill. To take advantage of deductions, you need to have supporting documentation. Not only will this protect you in the event of an audit, but it will also help you remember what to write off.

Some deductions can be used without itemizing expenses because they are reported directly on Form 1040. More deductions are available by filing Schedule A.

Here are some common tax deductions. Make sure you have supporting documents before filing:

• Contributions to retirement accounts. You can write off contributions to a traditional IRA or self-employed retirement plan (subject to limits).
• Educational expenses. You can write off tuition expenses and student loan interest. To do this, the IRS requires Form 1098-T (for tuition) and Form 1098-E (for student loans).
• Medical bills. Medical expenses may be tax deductible if they exceed 7,5% of adjusted gross income.
• Property tax and mortgage interest. If your mortgage payment includes property taxes, they will be reported on Form 1098 from your lender. That form will also show the amount of interest that can be written off on Schedule A.
• Charitable donations. To deduct donations, be sure to keep your receipts or the IRS will deny your request.
• Expenses for school supplies. Teachers and other educators can deduct up to $300 in classroom expenses ($600 if both spouses work in education).
• State and local taxes. You can deduct income taxes or sales taxes (up to $10, including property taxes) through the SALT deduction. Receipts are not required for sales taxes—the IRS provides tables with estimated values. However, the tax on a large purchase can be added to this value, so it’s a good idea to save those receipts.

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tax credits

Tax credits are more valuable than deductions because they reduce your tax liability dollar for dollar. But like deductions, they require documentation to qualify.

Popular tax credits:

• American Opportunity and Lifetime Learning loans. These student loans can significantly reduce your tax bill and require a Form 1098-T.
• Child loan. In 2025, the standard child tax credit is up to $2000 per child. There are additional tax breaks for adopted children.
• Saver's Credit. Contributions to a 401(k), similar employer plan, or IRA qualify for this tax credit.
• Prepaid taxes. Typically, employers withhold taxes from your paycheck, and that amount is reported on your W-2. If you made additional tax payments during the year, have that information ready.

Read also on ForumDaily:

How to write off home office expenses from taxes: requirements and conditions

How to Track Your 2024 Tax Refund and How Much to Expect

Tax season has officially begun: what you need to consider when preparing your 2024 tax return

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