Tax Prep Checklist: What to Bring to Your Appointment
The single biggest reason a tax return takes longer than it should is missing documents. Here is a complete checklist of what to bring (or upload to your accountant's portal) for a 2025 tax return, organized so you only work through the parts that apply to your situation.
Everyone
Photo ID for you (and spouse if filing jointly). Social Security cards or ITIN letters for you, spouse, and every dependent. Prior-year tax return (federal and state) if this is your first year with a new preparer. Bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit of a refund or direct debit of a payment.
If you have W-2 income
Every W-2 from every employer for the year. If you switched jobs, you need all of them. If a W-2 is missing by early February, contact HR — do not wait.
If you have self-employment or 1099 income
Profit & loss statement from your bookkeeping software (or a summary of income and expenses if you do not have one). Every 1099-NEC and 1099-MISC you received. Mileage log if you drove for business. Home-office square footage and total home square footage if you claim the home-office deduction. Health insurance premiums paid (self-employed health insurance is deductible above the line).
If you own a business (S-corp, LLC, partnership)
K-1 from the business return (this is why business returns should be filed before personal returns). Owner draws, distributions, and loan activity if the business return has not been filed. Reasonable-compensation W-2 if you are an S-corp owner. Health insurance and HSA contributions run through the business.
If you have rental property
Total rent collected for each property. All expenses by category: mortgage interest, property tax, insurance, repairs, HOA, utilities, management fees. Purchase closing statement if you bought a property this year. Sale closing statement if you sold. Depreciation schedule from your prior year return.
If you have investments
1099-B for taxable brokerage account activity (stock sales, mutual funds). 1099-DIV and 1099-INT for dividends and interest. 1099-R for retirement account distributions. Crypto activity — every buy, sell, and swap. Cost basis for any inherited or gifted assets you sold.
Deduction and credit documents
Mortgage interest (1098) and property tax paid. Charitable contributions — cash and non-cash, with receipts for anything over $250. Medical expenses if they might exceed 7.5% of your AGI. Childcare provider name, address, EIN, and amount paid. 1098-T for tuition paid. 1098-E for student loan interest paid. IRA and HSA contribution amounts.
One tip that saves time every year
Keep a running folder — physical or digital — labeled 'Taxes 2026' from January 1. Every time a tax document arrives, drop it in. When your appointment comes, you upload the folder and you are done. This one habit saves more time than any other tax organization tip we can offer.