Checklist

Individual Tax Document Checklist

A practical, item-by-item list of the documents to gather before your individual tax return is prepared — income, deductions, credits, and prior-year records.

All resources

Use this checklist to gather everything you need before your tax appointment. Having these documents ready helps your return move quickly and reduces the chance of a follow-up request — and an IRS notice later. Not every line applies to every filer; bring what applies to your situation.

Personal & income documents

☐W-2s from every employer (all jobs held during the year)
☐1099-INT and 1099-DIV for interest and dividend income
☐1099-B or brokerage year-end summary for investment sales
☐1099-R for pensions, annuities, and retirement distributions
☐Social Security benefits statement (SSA-1099)
☐Unemployment compensation statement (Form 1099-G)
☐Records of any other income: jury duty, gambling, hobby income, etc.

Self-employment, gig & side income

☐1099-NEC and 1099-K from each platform or client
☐A summary of all cash income not reported on a 1099
☐Records of business expenses (see our Schedule C checklist for a full list)
☐Vehicle mileage log for business driving

Home & property

☐Mortgage interest statement (Form 1098)
☐Property tax paid records (or escrow statement)
☐Closing disclosure for any home purchased, sold, or refinanced
☐Rental property income and expense records (if you own rental real estate)

Deductions & credits

☐Charitable contribution receipts (cash and non-cash)
☐Childcare expenses with provider name, address, and tax ID
☐Education expenses and Form 1098-T (tuition) and 1098-E (student loan interest)
☐Health insurance forms — especially 1095-A if you used the Marketplace
☐Medical and dental expense records (if itemizing and total exceeds 7.5% of AGI)
☐Estimated federal and state tax payments made during the year
☐Records of energy-efficient home improvements (solar, windows, EV charger)

Prior-year & identity records

☐A copy of your prior-year federal and state tax returns
☐Driver's license or state ID for e-file signature verification
☐Bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit of any refund
☐IRS or state notices received during the year (forward them unopened)

This checklist is provided for general guidance by Neese Financial LLC, an Enrolled Agent firm. It is not tax advice for your specific situation. Schedule a virtual appointment for help tailored to your return.