Tax Documents Checklist for Your 2026 Appointment

1. Personal Identification (Everyone Needs These)

• Government-issued photo ID — driver’s license, state ID, US passport, or permanent resident card
• Social Security card for yourself, your spouse, and every dependent
• ITIN letter (CP 565) if you have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number
• Prior year federal and New York State tax return — strongly recommended for all clients
• Bank account information (routing and account numbers) for direct deposit of your refund

2. Income Documents

• W-2 Form(s): One from every employer you worked for during 2025
• 1099-NEC: Freelance or contractor income — you should receive one from each client who paid you $600+
• 1099-MISC: Other miscellaneous income — rent received, prizes, legal settlements
• 1099-INT: Bank interest income — from savings accounts and CDs
• 1099-DIV: Dividend income from stocks, mutual funds, or ETFs
• 1099-B: Investment sale proceeds — from brokerage accounts
• 1099-R: Retirement account distributions — IRA withdrawals, 401(k) distributions, pension payments
• SSA-1099: Social Security benefits statement
• K-1 Form: If you own an interest in a partnership, S-Corp, or trust
• Rental Income Records: Total rent collected, lease agreements, and rental-related expense receipts

3. Deduction & Credit Records

• Form 1098: Mortgage interest statement from your lender
• Property Tax Bills: Annual real estate tax paid on your primary home and any rental properties
• Charitable Donations: Bank records or written acknowledgment for any donation of $250 or more
• Child Care Expenses: Provider name, address, Tax ID number, and total paid — for Child & Dependent Care Credit
• Form 1098-E: Student loan interest statement from your loan servicer
• Form 1098-T: Tuition statement from a college or university — for education credits
• Medical Expenses: Out-of-pocket costs exceeding 7.5% of AGI — prescriptions, insurance premiums, medical devices
• Health Savings Account (HSA): Form 5498-SA (contributions) and 1099-SA (distributions)
• IRA Contributions: Form 5498 if you made a deductible IRA contribution
• Alimony: Amount paid, recipient’s Social Security Number (for agreements before 2019)

4. Self-Employed & Business Documents

• Business Income Summary: Total receipts, invoices, or a profit and loss statement
• Expense Receipts: Organized by category — supplies, advertising, professional fees, utilities
• Mileage Log: Business miles with date, destination, and business purpose for each trip
• Home Office: Square footage of office space and total home square footage (for both simplified and actual method)
• Self-Employed Health Insurance Premiums: Total premiums paid for yourself and your family
• Quarterly Estimated Tax Payments: Dates and amounts paid (copy of Form 1040-ES vouchers or bank records)
• Vehicle Information: Total miles driven for the year if using actual expense method
• Section 179 Equipment Purchases: Receipts for equipment purchased and placed in service during 2025

5. ITIN Holders & Non-US Citizens

• ITIN letter (IRS CP 565) — or we can help you apply for one
• Passport or other valid foreign government-issued photo ID
• All US-source income documents — same W-2s and 1099s as above
• ITIN numbers for all dependents you will claim on your return
• Proof of residency (utility bills, bank statements) if establishing domicile