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What You Need for This Coming Tax Season

A smooth tax appointment starts long before you sit down with your tax preparer. Bringing complete, accurate documents helps prevent missed deductions, filing delays, and the need for amended returns later. The simplest rule is this: bring every tax form you receive, even if you are unsure whether it applies to your return. Your preparer can determine what is reportable and what may reduce your tax bill.

Start With Your Income Documents

Your income records are the foundation of your tax return. Gather forms for every job, benefit, investment account, or side business that paid you during the year.

Bring the following when applicable:

• W-2 forms from each employer. If you changed jobs, worked multiple jobs, or your spouse worked, you may have more than one W-2.

• 1099 forms for nonemployee income, freelance work, interest, dividends, retirement distributions, unemployment, gambling winnings, or other payments.

• SSA-1099, which reports Social Security benefits. Social Security is not always fully taxable, but your preparer needs the form to calculate the correct amount.

• 1099-R forms for distributions from pensions, IRAs,401(k) plans, annuities, or other retirement accounts.

• 1099-NEC or1099-K forms if you were self-employed, performed contract work, drove for a delivery service, sold online, or accepted electronic payments.

Even if you did not receive a form, let your preparer know about income you earned. This is especially important for cash payments, side work, rental income, and digital asset transactions.

Include Home and Loan Statements

Home ownership can create valuable tax deductions, but only when the proper documentation is available. Bring your Form1098 mortgage interest statement, which shows the mortgage interest and qualifying property taxes paid during the year.

If you paid mortgage interest to a private lender rather than a bank, bring the lender’s name, address, tax identification number, and a record of the interest you paid. You should also provide documentation for property taxes, points paid on a home purchase or refinance, and any home equity loan interest that may qualify.

Bring auto loan interest documents as well, particularly if the vehicle is used for business, self-employment, rental activity, or other income-producing purposes. Personal auto loan interest is generally not deductible, but business-use interest may be relevant. Your preparer will also need mileage records, business-use percentages, and vehicle expense details if you claim vehicle deductions.

Do Not Overlook Investment and Partnership Records

Investment income can be more complex than it appears. Bring all year-end brokerage statements, including consolidated1099 packages. These may include Forms1099-B,1099-DIV, and1099-INT. Your preparer needs the complete statement to verify sales proceeds, dividends, interest, capital gains, and cost basis information.

If you own an interest in a partnership, S corporation, trust, or certain investment entities, bring every applicable Schedule K-1. K-1 forms often arrive later than other tax documents, so avoid filing too early if you are still waiting for one. Filing before receiving a corrected brokerage statement or K-1 can create unnecessary amendments.

Before your appointment, create one folder for all tax documents and compare it with last year’s return. The best next step is to make a checklist now, then add forms as they arrive. Complete records give your preparer what they need to file accurately, identify deductions, and help you avoid costly surprises.