Personal information
- Social Security numbers (or ITINs) for you, your spouse and dependents
- Last year's tax return and adjusted gross income
- Bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit
- Your IRS Identity Protection PIN, if you have one
Income documents
- W-2: wages from each employer (due to you by February 1, 2027)
- 1099-NEC: freelance and contract income
- 1099-K: payment app and marketplace income above the reporting threshold
- 1099-INT and 1099-DIV: interest and dividends
- 1099-B: sales of stocks, funds and crypto
- 1099-R: retirement and pension distributions
- SSA-1099: Social Security benefits
- 1099-G: unemployment and state tax refunds
- Records of rental income and business income without a form
Deduction and credit records
- 1098: mortgage interest
- 1098-T: college tuition
- 1098-E: student loan interest
- Property tax and state tax payments
- Charitable donation receipts
- Childcare provider name, address and tax ID
- HSA (Form 5498-SA and 1099-SA) and IRA contributions
- Car loan statements and the VIN, for the new car loan interest deduction
- Business expense and mileage records if self-employed
Health coverage
If you bought insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace, you need Form 1095-A to reconcile the premium tax credit.
Payments you already made
Gather records of estimated tax payments for 2026 and any amount applied from last year's refund.
Ready to file
Once you have everything, pick from the best tax software, many of which import W-2s and 1099s directly. Check the 2027 deadlines so you file on time.
FAQ
When should I receive my tax forms?
Most W-2s and 1099s arrive by early February. Some brokerage forms arrive later in February or March.
What if a form is missing or wrong?
Contact the issuer first. If you cannot get it corrected, the IRS can help; do not file until your income is accurate.
Can tax software import my forms?
Most can import W-2s, 1099s and last year's return.
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Not advice: General information only, not tax, legal or financial advice. Consult a qualified tax professional. Dates and rules can change; check irs.gov for your situation.