Preparing for Tax Day
Required documents to keep on file:
- Copy of Drivers License or State ID
- Social Security Card
- Proof of Residence
IMPORTANT!
Income Documents:
100
Income Documents
Employment income — Form W-2 for you and your spouse
Investment income — Forms 1099-INT, 1099-DIV, 1099-B, K-1s, stock option information
State/local tax refunds or unemployment — Form 1099-G
Taxable alimony received (for agreements finalized before 2019)
Business or farming income — profit/loss statement, capital equipment information
Home office use — home size, office size, home expenses, and office expenses
IRA / pension distributions — Forms 1099-R, 8606
Rental property income & expenses — profit/loss statement, suspended loss information
Social Security benefits — Form SSA-1099
Sale of property — original cost, cost of improvements, escrow closing statement, Form 1099-C (cancelled debt)
Prior year installment sales — Form 6252, principal and interest collected, SSN and address of payer
Other miscellaneous income — jury duty, gambling winnings, Medical Savings Account (MSA), scholarships, etc.
Tip income records NEW 2025 — employer tip records or your own tip logs. You may qualify to deduct up to $25,000 in qualified tips.
Overtime pay records NEW 2025 — pay stubs clearly showing overtime amounts. You may qualify to deduct up to $12,500 (up to $25,000 joint).
Tax deduction Documents:
Tax Deduction Documents
Advance Child Tax Credit — IRS Letter 6419 showing payments received in 2025
Child care expenses — provider's name, address, tax ID, and total amount paid
Education expenses — Form 1098-T and records of tuition and qualified education costs
Adoption costs — SSN of child, legal fees, medical expenses, and transportation costs
Home mortgage interest & points — Form 1098 from your lender
Investment interest expense — statements from your broker or lender
Charitable donations — receipts for cash contributions, value of donated property, miles driven, and out-of-pocket expenses
Casualty and theft losses — documentation of damage amount and any insurance reimbursements received
Medical and dental expenses — receipts, insurance EOBs, and records of out-of-pocket costs
Student loan interest — Form 1098-E from your loan servicer
Auto loan interest NEW 2025 — Form 1098-C or lender statement showing interest paid, plus proof the vehicle was assembled in the United States. You may qualify to deduct up to $10,000.
Senior deduction — ages 65+ NEW 2025 — No special form needed, but let your preparer know if you or your spouse turned 65 on or before December 31, 2025. You may qualify for an additional $6,000 deduction ($12,000 if both spouses qualify).
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