Free checklist · Printable

What to send your accountant.

A plain-language list of the documents most individual tax returns need. Tick off what applies to you, skip what doesn't, and send everything at once — it's the fastest way to get your return done. Accountants: feel free to send this link to your clients.

For firms: request email templates

This is a general list, not tax advice. Not every item applies to everyone, and your accountant may ask for things that aren't here. Most year-end tax forms arrive between January and mid-February; brokerage statements and Schedule K-1s often come later.

1. Personal information

  • Last year's federal and state tax returnsEspecially if you're new to this accountant.
  • Photo ID for you (and your spouse, if filing jointly)
  • Social Security numbers or ITINs and dates of birth for everyone on the return, including dependents
  • Bank routing and account number for a direct-deposit refund or direct-debit payment
  • Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) from the IRS, if you or a dependent have one
  • Notes on life changes this yearMarriage, divorce, a new child, a move to another state, a death in the family, a new job or retirement.
  • Any letters or notices you received from the IRS or your state tax agency

2. Income

  • Form W-2 from every employer
  • Form 1099-NEC or 1099-MISC for freelance, contract or other miscellaneous income
  • Form 1099-K from payment apps or online marketplaces, if you received one
  • Form 1099-G for unemployment compensation or a state tax refund
  • Form 1099-R for distributions from pensions, annuities, IRAs or 401(k)s
  • Form SSA-1099 for Social Security benefits
  • Records of alimony received under a divorce or separation agreement executed before 2019
  • Records of any other income: gambling winnings (Form W-2G), prizes, jury duty, foreign income

3. Investments & partnerships

  • Form 1099-INT for bank and other interest
  • Form 1099-DIV for dividends
  • Form 1099-B or a consolidated brokerage statement for sales of stocks, bonds and fundsWait for the final version; brokers often issue corrections.
  • Cryptocurrency or other digital-asset transaction reports
  • Schedule K-1s from partnerships, S corporations, estates or trusts
  • Cost basis records for anything sold that the broker didn't report

4. Health, education & family

  • Form 1095-A if you had coverage through a Health Insurance MarketplaceNeeded to reconcile the premium tax credit.
  • HSA forms: Form 1099-SA (distributions) and Form 5498-SA (contributions)
  • Form 1098-T for college tuition, plus receipts for books and required supplies
  • Form 1098-E for student loan interest paid
  • Childcare and dependent care: each provider's name, address, taxpayer ID number and amount paid
  • Dependent care FSA amounts (usually shown on your W-2)
  • Records of education savings (529 plan) distributions, Form 1099-Q

5. Deductions & credits

  • Form 1098 mortgage interest statement for your home
  • Property tax bills or receipts for your home
  • Charitable donations: receipts and written acknowledgmentsThe IRS requires a written acknowledgment from the charity for any single gift of $250 or more. Form 1098-C for donated vehicles.
  • Large medical and dental expenses not reimbursed by insurance
  • IRA contribution records (Form 5498, or your own records if it hasn't arrived)
  • Records of energy-efficient home improvements or a new or used electric vehicle purchase
  • State and local income tax paid, if not already on your W-2

6. Tax payments you already made

  • Dates and amounts of federal estimated tax paymentsFor most people these are due around April 15, June 15, September 15 and January 15.
  • Dates and amounts of state and local estimated payments
  • Any amount of last year's refund you applied to this year's tax
  • Payments made with an extension request

7. If you own rental property

One set per property. Landlords can use this section on its own.

  • Property address, date you bought it and the date it was first rented out
  • Rent received for the year: a rent roll, ledger or bank summaryInclude advance rent and any security deposits you kept.
  • Form 1099-MISC (rents) or 1099-K from a payment platform, if you received one
  • Form 1098 mortgage interest statement for each rental loan
  • Property tax bills and insurance statements
  • Repair and maintenance receipts
  • Improvement receipts, kept separate from repairsThings like a new roof, HVAC system or addition are generally depreciated rather than deducted all at once.
  • Other expenses: utilities you pay, HOA dues, property management fees, advertising, legal and professional fees, travel to the property
  • Closing statements for any property bought or sold this year
  • Last year's depreciation schedule (usually part of your prior-year return)
  • Number of days the property was rented, and any days of personal use

8. If you're self-employed

Freelancers, contractors, gig workers and sole proprietors.

  • All Forms 1099-NEC, 1099-MISC and 1099-K you received
  • A profit-and-loss summary or your income and expense records for the year
  • Business bank and credit card statements
  • Receipts for major purchases of equipment, computers or furniture
  • Vehicle mileage log for business driving
  • Home office: square footage of the office and of the whole home, plus rent or mortgage, utilities and insurance
  • Health insurance premiums you paid as a self-employed person
  • Retirement plan contributions (SEP-IRA, Solo 401(k), SIMPLE IRA)
  • Forms 1099-NEC you issued to contractors, if any

This checklist is general information to help you gather documents. It is not tax, legal or financial advice, and it doesn't cover every situation. Ask your tax professional what applies to you, and see IRS guidance on gathering your documents.

For accounting firms

Collect all of this without the email chase.

PraxiOS gives each client a secure portal link with their own checklist. When they upload a document, PraxiOS uses OCR to recognize it and link it to the right item for your accountant to confirm — so you both see what's still missing.

See PraxiOS Book a demo