Tax Preparation Checklist: What to Bring to Your CPA

Gathering your documents in advance makes the tax preparation process faster, less expensive, and less stressful. Here's what you'll typically need, organized by situation.

Not everything on this list will apply to you — use it as a reference to make sure you haven't forgotten something important.

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Everyone Needs These

  • Social Security numbers for yourself, spouse, and any dependents
  • Prior year tax return (federal and state)
  • Bank account and routing number (for direct deposit of any refund)
  • Photo ID

Income Documents

  • W-2s from all employers
  • 1099-NEC or 1099-MISC (freelance or contractor income)
  • 1099-INT (bank interest)
  • 1099-DIV (dividends)
  • 1099-B (investment sales — from brokerage)
  • 1099-R (retirement distributions)
  • SSA-1099 (Social Security benefits)
  • K-1 forms (partnership, S-Corp, or trust income)
  • Rental income records
  • Any other income documentation

Deduction & Credit Documents

  • Mortgage interest statement (Form 1098)
  • Property tax statements
  • Charitable donation receipts
  • Medical expense records (if significant)
  • Student loan interest (Form 1098-E)
  • Child and dependent care expenses and provider information
  • Education expenses (Form 1098-T)
  • Health insurance premium statements (especially if self-employed)
  • Records of energy-efficient home improvements (for applicable credits)

For Business Owners (Sole Proprietors, Partnerships, S-Corps)

  • Profit and loss statement for the year
  • Balance sheet
  • Payroll records and any payroll tax filings
  • Vehicle mileage logs (if claiming vehicle deduction)
  • Home office information (square footage, home expenses)
  • Equipment and asset purchases during the year
  • Records of estimated tax payments made
  • Business bank and credit card statements

If you use a bookkeeper or accounting software, a clean export from QuickBooks or your accounting platform is often the most efficient way to give your CPA what they need.

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