Individual Forms Checklist

Most people will need:

Personal information

This information tells the IRS exactly who’s filling, who is covered in your tax return, and where to deposit your tax refund.

Social Security numbers and dates of birth for you, your spouse, your dependentsCopies of list year’s tax return for you and your spouse (helpful, but not required)Bank account number and routing number, if depositing your refund directly into your account

Information about your income

W-2 forms for you and yours spouse1099-C forms for cancellation of debt1099-G forms for unemployment income, or state or local tax refunds1099-MISC forms for you and your spouse (for any independent contractor work)1099-R, Form 8606 for payments/distributions from IRAs or retirement plans1099-INT, -DIV, -B, or k-1s for investment or interest incomeSSA-1099 for Social Security benefits receivedAlimony receivedBusiness or farming income - profit/loss statement, capital equipment informationRental property income and expenses: profit/loss statement, suspended loss informationPrior year installment sale information - Forms 6252, principal and interest collected during the year, SSN and address for payerMiscellaneous income; jury duty, gambling winnings, Medical Savings Account, scholarships, etc.

Adjustments to your income

The following items can help reduce the amount of your income that is taxed, which can increase your tax refund, or lower the amount you owe.

From 1098-E for student loan interest paid (or loan statements for student loans)For teachers: Canceled checks or receipts for expenses paid for classroom supplies, etc.Records of IRA contributions made during the yearReceipts for any qualifying energy-efficient home improvements (solar, windows, etc.)Records of Medical Savings Account (MSA) contributionsSelf-employed health insurance payment recordsRecords of moving expensesAlimony paidKeogh, SEP, SIMPLE, and other self-employed pension plans

If you itemize your deductions:

Deductions and credits

The government offers a number of deductions and credits to help lower the tax burden or individuals, which means, more money in your pocket. You will need the following documentation to make sure you get all the deductions and credits you deserve:

Child are costs: provider’s name, address, tax ID, and amount paidEducation costs: Form 1098-T, education expensesAdoption costs: SSN of child; records of legal, medical and transportation costsForms 1098: Mortgage interest, private mortgage insurance (PMI), and points you paidInvestment interest expensesCharitable donations: cash amounts, official charity receipts, canceled checks; value donated property; miles driven and out-of-pocket expensesMedical and dental expense recordsCasualty and theft losses: amount of damage, insurance reimbursementsRecords/amounts of other miscellaneous tax deductions: union dues; unreimbursed employee expenses (uniforms, supplies, seminars, continuing education, publications, travel, etc.)Records of home business expenses, home size/office size, home expensesRental property income/expenses: profit/loss statement, rental property suspended loss

Taxes you’ve paid

State and local income taxes paidReal estate taxes paidPersonal property taxesVehicle license fees based on value of vehicle

Other information

Estimated tax payments made during the year (self-employed)Prior-year refund applied to current year and/or any amount paid with and extension to fileForeign bank account information: location, name of bank, account number, peak value of account during the year