The single biggest cause of a delayed return is a missing document. Collect these before you start and the rest is straightforward.
Identification and prior year
Start with the basics that never change.
- Social Security numbers for everyone on the return
- Last year's tax return
- Bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit
Income documents
Wait for all of them. An amended return costs more than a two-week delay.
- W-2 from each employer
- 1099-NEC and 1099-K for self-employment
- 1099-INT, 1099-DIV, and 1099-B for interest, dividends, and investment sales
- 1099-R for retirement distributions and SSA-1099 for Social Security
- Rental income and expense records
Deductions and credits
These are what lower the bill, so do not skip the paperwork.
- Mortgage interest (1098) and property tax statements
- Charitable contribution receipts
- 1098-T and 1098-E for tuition and student loan interest
- Childcare provider name, address, and tax ID
- 1095-A if you had marketplace health coverage
Anything that changed this year
Marriage, a new child, a home purchase or sale, a move between states, or a new side business all change the return. Mention them even if you are unsure whether they matter.