What Tax Documents do I need to file my taxes?

Tax Preparation Documents Needed to file Your Tax Return

Whether you’re filing your taxes for the first time or need help organizing years of paperwork, having a clear guide makes the process easier. This page will walk you through the most common types of tax preparation documents, how to retrieve lost or missing paperwork, and why staying organized is essential.

The Following are common Tax Documents Issued to you

  • All Forms W-2 (wages)

  • 1099-INT (interest)

  • 1099-DIV (dividends)

  • 1099-B (proceeds from broker or barter transactions)

  • 1099DA ( Digital Assets, Crypto Currency transactions)

  • 1099-R (pensions and IRA distributions)

  • Schedules K-1 from partnerships, S corporations, estates and trusts, and other income reporting statements, including all copies provided by the payer.

Other Tax Source Documents

  • If you are a new client, provide copies of last year’s tax returns

  • Copy of the closing statement if you bought or sold real estate

  • Mileage figures for any automobile expenses claimed, including total mileage, commuting mileage, and business mileage

  • Detail of estimated tax payments made if any (IRS Form 1040ES)

  • Income and deductions categorized on a separate sheet for business or rental activities

  • List of itemized deductions categorized on a separate sheet for medical, taxes, interest, charitable, and miscellaneous deductions

  • Copy of all acknowledgment letters received from charitable organizations for contributions made during the taxable year

Tax Deduction Documentation

To maximize deductions, keep receipts, invoices, and statements for qualifying expenses such as:

  • Charitable donations

  • Medical expenses

  • Business-related costs

Proof of Health Insurance (Form 1095)

Under the Affordable Care Act, you may need to provide proof of health insurance. This document comes in three versions: 1095-A, 1095-B, and 1095-C, depending on your type of coverage.

Previous Year’s Tax Returns

Having a copy of your prior year’s tax return can help streamline the filing process. It’s useful for comparing information and carrying over credits or losses.

Social Security Statements (Form SSA-1099)

If you received Social Security benefits, the SSA-1099 details the amount of income you must report on your tax return.

How to Get Copies of Lost or Missing Tax Documents

Missing an important tax document? Don’t panic. Here’s how you can retrieve or replace common forms:

W-2 Copies

  • From Your Employer: Contact your current or former employer’s HR or payroll department to request a copy.

  • From the IRS: If the employer cannot provide it, order a Wage and Income Transcript from the IRS. This includes W-2 information and can be accessed online through the IRS Get Transcript Tool.

  • From the State Taxing Agency: It could be possible the State Tax Agency may have a copy of the Income Reported by 3rd party payors. The FTB in california has the reporting wages & income history for the previous 5 years.

1099 Forms

  • Contact the Issuer: Reach out to the bank, client, or financial institution that provided the payment.

  • From the IRS: Request a Wage and Income Transcript for 1099 information if the issuer cannot supply it.

IRS Wage & Income Transcripts

  • Order you Wages & Income Transcript from the IRS for free through the online portal, by mail, or using Form 4506-T. Transcripts provide the reported Waged & Income by 3rd parties.

Substitute W-2 (Form 4852)

If you cannot obtain a W-2, the IRS allows you to file Form 4852 as a substitute. You can use your final pay stub to estimate earnings and taxes paid.

Mortgage and Property Documents

Contact your mortgage provider or local property tax office to request copies of any missing statements or receipts.

Importance of Organizing Tax Documents

Organizing your tax documents isn’t just about convenience—it can save you money and time. Proper documentation helps you:

  • Claim All Deductions: Missing receipts or forms can result in missed opportunities to reduce your taxable income.

  • Avoid Errors: Having all your documents in ne place reduces the risk of mistakes that could trigger an audit.

  • Speed Up Filing: Streamline the preparation process, whether you’re filing on your own or working with a tax professional.

How to provide your tax documents to finalize tax preparation?

Your Tax Documents can be submitted by one of the following methods:

  1. Upload to the client portal: Click Here

  2. Fax to 800-816-3450

  3. Mail: 1475 S State College Blvd #112, Anaheim, CA 92806