Tax season is easier when your paperwork is in one place before you sit down with a preparer or tax software. This guide is only about collecting and organizing documents. It does not cover what you can deduct or how to file; for that, ask a qualified tax professional or see IRS.gov.
1. Make one place for everything
Pick one physical folder and one digital folder for the tax year. Everything goes there as it arrives, including PDFs from email and online accounts.
2. List the documents you expect
Look at last year's return or paperwork to see which forms you received. Common ones include W-2s from employers, 1099 forms from banks, brokerages, payment apps and clients, 1098 forms for mortgage interest or tuition, and health coverage forms. Many arrive in January and February, by mail or in your online accounts.
3. Check them off as they arrive
Mark each form as needed, received or not needed this year, and note where you saved it.
4. Keep receipts organized by category
If you keep receipts for your records, log the date, category, payee and amount, and where the receipt is saved. Whether any of them matter for your return is a question for your preparer.
5. Write down your questions
Keep a running list of questions to ask your preparer, such as a new job, a move, a side hustle or a life change, and record the answers.
6. Set a target date
Pick a date to have everything gathered, and leave time to chase missing forms.
Checklist
- ☐ One paper folder and one digital folder
- ☐ List of forms expected (based on last year)
- ☐ Each form marked received, with where it is saved
- ☐ Receipts logged by category
- ☐ Last year's return on hand
- ☐ Questions list for your preparer
- ☐ Target date to be ready
- ☐ Copies stored safely after filing
Side hustle income? Track it during the year with the free side hustle tax set-aside calculator and side hustle income guide. This page is for organizing only and is not tax, legal or financial advice.