Introduction

Filing your personal tax return does not have to be stressful. With the right preparation, you can maximize your refund, avoid errors, and reduce the risk of an IRS notice. This checklist covers everything U.S. taxpayers need to gather before filing.

Personal Information

Start with the basics. You will need:

Social Security numbers for you, your spouse, and all dependents

Dates of birth for everyone on the return

Bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit

Last year's tax return for reference

Income Documents

Employment Income

**Form W-2** from each employer

**Form 1099-NEC** if you did freelance or contract work

**Form 1099-G** for unemployment compensation

Investment and Interest Income

**Form 1099-INT** for interest earned

**Form 1099-DIV** for dividends

**Form 1099-B** for stock and investment sales

**Form 1099-R** for retirement distributions

Other Income

**Form 1099-SA** for HSA distributions

**Form SSA-1099** for Social Security benefits

**Form K-1** if you are a partner or S-corporation shareholder

Rental income and expenses

Gambling winnings (Form W-2G)

Deductions and Credits

Common Deductions

State and local taxes paid (SALT)

Mortgage interest (Form 1098)

Charitable donations

Medical and dental expenses

Student loan interest (Form 1098-E)

Tax Credits

Child Tax Credit

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

Education credits (Form 1098-T)

Child and Dependent Care Credit

Energy-efficient home improvement credits

Self-Employment and Business

If you are self-employed, gather:

Business income and expense records

Mileage logs

Home office expenses

Health insurance premiums

Self-employment tax calculations

Filing Tips

**File electronically** for faster refunds and fewer errors

**Choose direct deposit** to get your refund in 21 days or less

**Double-check your Social Security numbers** — incorrect SSNs are a top reason for rejected returns

**Sign and date your return** — unsigned returns are invalid

**Keep copies** of everything for at least three years

When to Seek Professional Help

Consider hiring a tax professional if you:

Started or sold a business

Had major life changes (marriage, divorce, birth, death)

Received an IRS notice

Are not sure which deductions or credits you qualify for

At Tax n Ledgers, we help individuals across Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts file accurate tax returns and claim every deduction they deserve.

Personal Tax Preparation Checklist for U.S. Taxpayers