Tax season can be a demanding time for everyone, from small businesses and freelancers to individual filers. Proper preparation is key to ensuring a smooth tax filing process. Use this checklist as your guide through each step, making sure you’ve covered all essential items for your tax filing.

Gather Personal Information:

• Social Security Numbers (SSN) for yourself and all dependents
• Addresses and dates of birth
•  Bank account and routing number for direct deposit/refund
•  Last year’s Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) for electronic signature

Income Documents:

•  W-2 forms from all employers
•  1099 forms for freelancers and independent contractors
•  Interest statements (Form 1099-INT or Form 1099-OID)
•  Dividend statements (Form 1099-DIV)
•  Sales proceeds from stocks, bonds, etc. (Form 1099-B)
•  Retirement plan distribution (Form 1099-R)
•  Miscellaneous income records (prizes, rent income, etc.)

Deduction and Credit Documents:

•  Home mortgage interest (Form 1098)
•  Real estate and personal property tax records
•  Receipts for charitable donations and gifts
•  Medical and dental expense records
•  Educational expenses (Form 1098-T)
•  Student loan interest paid (Form 1098-E)
•  Childcare expenses (provider’s tax ID number required)

Health Insurance Information:

•  Marketplace coverage (Form 1095-A)
•  Health coverage exemption certificate, if applicable
•  Records of healthcare payments for Premium Tax Credit

Tax Forms and Worksheets:

•  Current year’s tax return forms and schedules
•  Worksheets for itemised deductions, if applicable

Previous Tax Returns:

•  Copies of past tax returns (3-7 years recommended)

Bank Account Information:

•  Account numbers for any account into which you’d like a refund deposited
•  Records for interest paid or earned, if applicable
  

Miscellaneous:

•  Notices from the IRS or other revenue systems, if received
•  Record of estimated tax payments made during the year, if applicable
  

Review and Organise:

•  Review all documents to ensure they are complete and accurate
•  Organise documents by category for easy reference
•  Compile a list of questions or concerns for your tax advisor or software

File Taxes:

•  Choose the appropriate filing method for your situation (e-file or mail)
•  Submit tax returns by the due date or file for an extension, if needed

Payment:

•  Schedule payment for any taxes owed, or confirm refund details

Follow Up:

•  Track refund status, if expecting one
•  Store copies of filed tax returns and all relevant documentation securely
•  Plan for any quarterly or future tax adjustments needed
•  Confirm that checks have cleared or payments have been debited

Remember, this checklist is a general guide and your tax situation may require additional information. Always consult with a tax professional or IRS resources to ensure that all your tax responsibilities are fulfilled.