What documents do I need to file my taxes?

For an individual return you generally need your income forms (W-2 from each employer and any 1099s), records that support your deductions and credits (mortgage interest 1098, tuition 1098-T, charitable receipts, property tax), and identity and banking details (SSNs for everyone on the return, a photo ID, and your bank account for direct deposit). Self-employed filers also need business income and expense records.

What is the difference between a W-2 and a 1099?

A W-2 reports wages from an employer who withheld taxes for you. A 1099 reports income where no taxes were withheld — 1099-NEC for contractor work, 1099-INT for interest, 1099-DIV for dividends, and so on. Most filers receive at least one of each.

How do I send these documents to my accountant securely?

Email is the common default but it is insecure and easy to lose track of. A no-login upload link is the simplest secure option: your accountant sends one link, you upload each file from your phone or laptop with no account to create, and they see exactly which items are still missing. That is what this checklist turns into when you send it with DokuTrak.

Individual Tax Preparation Document Checklist

To prepare an individual (Form 1040) tax return, a client typically needs to provide income forms (W-2s and 1099s), records that support deductions and credits, and identity and banking details. The exact list depends on the client: a W-2 employee with a mortgage needs less than a self-employed filer with investments. Use the checklist below as the standard starting point, remove what does not apply, and send it.

For Tax preparers, CPAs, and Enrolled Agents collecting documents for an individual (Form 1040) return. Last updated June 2026.

Frequently asked questions

What documents do I need to file my taxes?: For an individual return you generally need your income forms (W-2 from each employer and any 1099s), records that support your deductions and credits (mortgage interest 1098, tuition 1098-T, charitable receipts, property tax), and identity and banking details (SSNs for everyone on the return, a photo ID, and your bank account for direct deposit). Self-employed filers also need business income and expense records.
What is the difference between a W-2 and a 1099?: A W-2 reports wages from an employer who withheld taxes for you. A 1099 reports income where no taxes were withheld — 1099-NEC for contractor work, 1099-INT for interest, 1099-DIV for dividends, and so on. Most filers receive at least one of each.
How do I send these documents to my accountant securely?: Email is the common default but it is insecure and easy to lose track of. A no-login upload link is the simplest secure option: your accountant sends one link, you upload each file from your phone or laptop with no account to create, and they see exactly which items are still missing. That is what this checklist turns into when you send it with DokuTrak.

Sources

This is a general checklist. Confirm the exact documents for your client's specific situation.

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