Filing your taxes can be a complicated and time-consuming process, but it’s important to ensure that you have all the necessary information and documents before you begin. Here are 10 things you should have before you file your taxes:
- Your Social Security number or taxpayer identification number. This is the most important piece of information you’ll need to file your taxes, so make sure you have it on hand.
- W-2 forms. Your W-2 forms will show how much you earned from each employer over the past year.
- 1099 forms. If you received any other types of income, such as freelance work or rental income, you’ll receive a 1099 form for each source.
- Bank account information. You’ll need your bank routing and account numbers if you plan to have your refund directly deposited.
- A copy of last year’s tax return. Having a copy of your previous year’s tax return can be helpful for reference, especially if you’re unsure about how to answer certain questions.
- Records of charitable donations. If you made any charitable donations, you’ll want to have the names and addresses of the organizations, as well as any receipts or canceled checks to support your claims.
- Receipts for expenses related to your business or rental property. If you’re self-employed or have a rental property, you’ll want to have documentation of your expenses, such as receipts and invoices.
- Educational expenses. If you paid tuition or student loan interest, you may be eligible for an education tax credit.
- Childcare expenses. If you paid for childcare, you may be able to claim the childcare tax credit.
- Health insurance information. If you had health insurance coverage, you’ll need to provide information about your coverage, including the policy number and the name of the insurance company.
By having these 10 things on hand before you file your taxes, you’ll be better prepared to complete the process quickly and accurately. Make sure to double-check your return before you file to avoid mistakes that could result in a delay or additional fees.
