What Information Do You Need to Provide to Complete Your Tax Return?

Filing your income tax return can feel overwhelming, but gathering the right documents and information upfront makes the process smoother and helps ensure accuracy. Whether you're preparing your own return or working with a tax professional, having everything organized reduces errors, speeds up processing, and maximizes potential refunds or credits.

This guide focuses on the 2025 tax year (filed in 2026), with the standard filing deadline of 04/15/2026 (or 10/15/2026 with 6-month extension). Requirements can vary based on your situation—such as employment, investments, family status, or self-employment—so tailor this list to your needs. If you are unsure whether a specific form applies to you, please consult with our tax professional.

Essential Personal Information

• Full legal name, date of birth, and current address

• SSN or ITIN for yourself, your spouse (if filing jointly), and any dependents

• Filing status: Single, Married Filing Jointly, Married Filing Separately, Head of Household, or Qualifying Surviving Spouse.

• Bank account and routing numbers (for direct deposit of refunds or payments).

• Prior year's Income Tax Return

• IRS issued Identity Protection PIN (needed for e-filing verification)

• Driver’s License or other Photo ID (needed for identity verification)

Income Documents

• Form W-2: Wages and salaries from employers

• 1099-INT: Interest income

• 1099-DIV: Dividends

• 1099-B: Stock or investment sales

• 1099-G: Unemployment compensation or state refunds

• 1099-R: Retirement distributions (pensions, IRAs, 401(k)s)

• 1099-MISC or 1099-NEC: Freelance, gig economy, or miscellaneous income

• 1099-K: Payments from payment apps or online platforms

• K-1: Partnership income and expense reporting

• Form SSA-1099: Social Security benefits

• Rental Income and Expense details

• Records of other income: Alimony, Gambling winnings, Crypto, etc.

Deductions and Credits Supporting Documents

• Mortgage interest statement (Form 1098)

• Property taxes payment records

• Charitable contributions (receipts for cash/non-cash donations)

• Dependent Care Expenses (Receipt should include EIN/SSN of Care Provider)

• Tuition Statement (Form 1098-T) from schools

• Energy-efficient home improvements: Receipts for qualifying purchases

• EV Credit: VIN and Purchase Agreement

• Health Insurance Subsidy Statement (Form 1095 A)

• Health Savings Account statements (Form 5498-SA and Form 1099-SA)

Other Important Items

• Estimated tax payment records (if self-employed or had non-withheld income)

• RSU Stock Supplemental Tax Forms (for basis adjustment)

• ISO Exercise details or Form 3921

• ESPP Purchase details or Form 3922

• Foreign Income and Foreign Asset Details

• Foreign Gift details if total gift received in the year is over $100,000