--- title: "Tax Filing Checklist: Getting Your Documents In Order" description: Preparing for tax season doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right checklist and a little organization, you can make the process smooth and stress-free. --- [Skip to content](https://help.advisor.com/tax-prep-checklist#main-content) English Show submenu for translations ![](https://help.advisor.com/hs-fs/hubfs/logomark-black.png?width=100&height=75&name=logomark-black.png) Open main navigation Close main navigation - English Show submenu for translations How can we help you? - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [Advisor Wealth Management Help Center](https://help.advisor.com/?hsLang=en) 2. [Taxes & Tax Filing Services](https://help.advisor.com/taxes-tax-filing-services?hsLang=en) 3. [Taxes & FAQs](https://help.advisor.com/taxes-tax-filing-services?hsLang=en#taxes-faqs) # Tax Filing Checklist: Getting Your Documents In Order   #### **Tax Preparation Checklist** ⭐ [Download Our Tax Preparation Checklist Here](https://app-na1.hubspotdocuments.com/documents/22690516/view/1576941460?accessId=f1d029) ⭐ #### **Personal Information:** - Social Security numbers (SSNs) for yourself, your spouse, and any dependents. - A copy of last year’s tax return. #### **Income Documentation:** Gather documents that report your income, such as: - **W-2 forms** from all employers. - **1099 forms** (e.g., 1099-NEC for independent contractors, 1099-DIV for dividends, 1099-INT for interest income, etc.). - [Altruist Forms](https://app.altruist.com/): Like all custodians, Altruist is required by the IRS to report and produce tax documents for reportable activities. 1099-Consolidated tax forms (including 1099-DIV, 1099-B, 1099-INT, 1099-OID, and 1099-MISC) will be issued from Altruist in two phases based on the complexity of your financial portfolio.  **[Learn more here](https://altruist.com/tax-center/)** - **K-1 forms** for income from partnerships, trusts, or estates (if applicable). - Unemployment income statements (if applicable). - Any other income-related documentation (e.g., rental income, gambling winnings, etc.). #### **Deduction and Credit Documentation:** Ensure you’ve collected receipts and forms to maximize your deductions and credits: - **Receipts for charitable donations** (including cash and non-cash contributions). - **Mortgage interest statements** (Form 1098). - **Medical and dental expenses** if you plan to itemize. If you're not sure, your tax pro can help you decide what is most advantageous based on your situation. - **Property tax receipts.** - **Education expenses** (e.g., Form 1098-T for tuition, 1098-E for student loan interest). - **Childcare expenses** (include the provider’s tax ID number). - Records of contributions to **retirement accounts** (e.g., IRA contributions). #### **Business and Self-Employment Records:** - Income and expense reports. - Receipts for business purchases. - Mileage logs for business travel. - Home office expense details (if applicable). #### **Other Essential Documents:** - **Healthcare coverage documentation:** Form 1095-A, 1095-B, or 1095-C. - Any correspondence from the IRS or state tax agencies. - Records of estimated tax payments made. #### **Bank and Investment Records:** - Statements showing interest, dividends, and other investment income. - Records of any stock sales, including purchase and sale dates and amounts. - Cryptocurrency transaction reports. #### **State and Local Tax Information:** - If you paid state or local taxes, gather those documents for your records. - Documentation for any tax credits specific to your state. #### **Tips for Success** 1. **Use a Tax Organizer:** Keep a folder or digital organizer for all your tax documents. As new forms arrive, place them directly into this folder. 2. **Be Proactive About Missing Forms:** Reach out to employers, financial institutions, or other entities if you haven’t received your W-2s, 1099s, or other forms by mid-February. 3. **Verify Accuracy:** Review all forms and receipts for accuracy before filing. - [Getting started](https://help.advisor.com/getting-started?hsLang=en) - [Altruist Guide](https://help.advisor.com/altruist-guide?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Altruist FAQs](https://help.advisor.com/altruist-guide?hsLang=en#altruist-faqs) - [Getting Started](https://help.advisor.com/altruist-guide?hsLang=en#getting-started) - [RightCapital Guide](https://help.advisor.com/rightcapital-guide?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Budgeting](https://help.advisor.com/rightcapital-guide?hsLang=en#budgeting) - [FAQs](https://help.advisor.com/faqs?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Insurance](https://help.advisor.com/faqs?hsLang=en#insurance) - [Taxes & Tax Filing Services](https://help.advisor.com/taxes-tax-filing-services?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Tax Filing Services](https://help.advisor.com/taxes-tax-filing-services?hsLang=en#tax-filing-services) - [Taxes & FAQs](https://help.advisor.com/taxes-tax-filing-services?hsLang=en#taxes-faqs) - [Life Event Guides](https://help.advisor.com/life-event-guides?hsLang=en) - [Holistic Financial Planning](https://help.advisor.com/holistic-financial-planning?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Budgeting](https://help.advisor.com/holistic-financial-planning?hsLang=en#budgeting) - [Roadmap to Success](https://help.advisor.com/holistic-financial-planning?hsLang=en#roadmap-to-success) - [Financial Planning Activities](https://help.advisor.com/holistic-financial-planning?hsLang=en#financial-planning-activities) - [Investing](https://help.advisor.com/investing?hsLang=en#main-content) - [The Basics](https://help.advisor.com/investing?hsLang=en#the-basics) - [Investment Strategies](https://help.advisor.com/investing?hsLang=en#investment-strategies) - [Funds Transfers](https://help.advisor.com/investing?hsLang=en#funds-transfers) - [Estate Planning](https://help.advisor.com/estate-planning?hsLang=en#main-content) - [About](https://help.advisor.com/estate-planning?hsLang=en#about) [![Chill listening crop-3](https://help.advisor.com/hs-fs/hubfs/logomark-black.png?width=35&height=24&name=logomark-black.png "Chill listening crop-3")](http://advisor.com) 525 King Street, Suite B Charleston SC 29403 [mailto:help@advisor.com](mailto:help@advisor.com) Copyright © 2025, Advisor Wealth Management