Tax season can feel like a pop quiz. The good news, having the right papers in one place turns it into an open-book test. This guide walks you through the must-have documents for US federal taxes for the 2024 tax year, filed in 2025.
Whether you’re an employee, a side hustler, or fully self‑employed, the right records help you file faster, avoid penalties, and keep every dollar you’re owed. Start a folder now, paper or digital, and drop items in as they arrive.
Basic Identification Documents Every Tax Filer Needs
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You need documents that prove who you are and who your dependents are. These details unlock credits and prevent processing delays.
- Your ID: Driver’s license or passport.
- Social Security number or ITIN: For you, your spouse, and each dependent.
- Dates of birth: For everyone on the return.
- IP PIN: If the IRS issued one for identity protection.
Lost your SSN card? Request a replacement from the Social Security Administration. For ITIN help, use IRS resources or an IRS-authorized acceptance agent. Having correct names, SSNs, and birth dates prevents rejected returns and delayed refunds.
Your Social Security Number and Dependents' Info
You will need your SSN or ITIN. For dependents, gather full names, relationships, birth dates, and SSNs. Without this, you cannot claim key credits like the Child Tax Credit. Pull together family documents early to avoid last‑minute scrambles.
Income Documents: From W-2s to 1099s for Employees and Freelancers
Income forms tell the IRS what you earned and what tax was already withheld. Employers and payers usually send these by late January. Keep everything, even for small side gigs, to avoid underreporting penalties.
W-2 Forms and Other Employee Income Reports
- Form W-2: Your main wage statement. It shows salary, tips, and taxes withheld.
- 1099-INT: Bank interest.
- 1099-DIV: Dividends and capital gain distributions.
- 1099-B: Sales of stocks or other securities from your broker.
Check your mailbox and your employer or bank portals. Compare totals with your pay stubs and statements. If a form is missing, request a reissue.
1099 Forms for Self-Employed and Gig Workers
- 1099-NEC or 1099-MISC: Payments from clients, often when you earn $600 or more from a payer.
- 1099-K: Payments processed by platforms or payment apps, if applicable.
- Your own records: Track income even if you do not receive a 1099.
Report business income and expenses on Schedule C. Keep invoices, bank deposits, mileage logs, and platform statements. Good records protect your deductions and reduce audit risk.
Key Documents for Claiming Deductions and Credits to Maximize Your Refund
Deductions and credits can lower your tax or boost your refund. Decide whether to take the standard deduction or itemize, based on your totals.
Receipts and Forms for Itemized Deductions
- Form 1098: Mortgage interest and property taxes paid through escrow.
- Charitable donations: Receipts or bank records for cash gifts; acknowledgments for larger donations.
- Medical and dental expenses: Bills, insurance statements, mileage logs for appointments.
- State and local taxes: Property tax bills, state income or sales tax paid.
- Casualty or theft losses: If applicable, keep reports and repair estimates.
If your itemized total is lower than the standard deduction, you will likely take the standard deduction. Many filers use the standard deduction each year.
Documents for Popular Tax Credits
- Child Tax Credit: Requires dependent SSNs and proof they lived with you.
- Child and Dependent Care Credit: Care provider’s info on Form W-10 and payment records.
- Earned Income Tax Credit: Income documents like W-2s and 1099s; residency proof for qualifying children.
- Education credits: Form 1098-T from your school, plus records for books and course materials.
- Retirement contributions: Form 5498 for IRA contributions (often arrives later), plus your own bank or brokerage records.
For the 2024 tax year, file by April 15, 2025. Tax brackets adjust most years for inflation. For free options, check IRS Free File and IRS Direct File availability for simple returns. Complex returns may benefit from a tax pro.
Conclusion
Gather IDs, income forms, and deduction or credit records now. Starting in October 2025 gives you time to fix gaps and avoid stress for your 2024 return. Use trusted software like TurboTax or IRS tools to stay organized. File early to get your refund sooner, and ask a tax pro if your situation is complex. Ready to start your checklist today?