Reviewed and updated October 16, 2026
Rules and decisions to review
- Identity and household: legal names, tax identification numbers, addresses, dependent details and any current IRS identity protection PINs.
- Income: Forms W-2, 1099 and K-1 plus self-employment, rental, digital-asset and foreign income not shown on those forms.
- Deductions and credits: education, childcare, charitable gifts, mortgage interest, property taxes and other potentially relevant expenses.
- Prior records: the previous return, depreciation and basis schedules, loss carryovers, estimated payments and IRS or state notices.
A practical example
A rental owner who supplies only bank deposits may omit security-deposit treatment, management fees or a property sale. Add the rental ledger, closing documents and prior depreciation schedule so the return reflects the full activity.
Records to gather
Gather a folder for each tax year with income, expenses, payments, notices and a short list of life or business changes.
Your next step
Use the secure Start Your Return process to begin your intake and upload the requested documents. Include a short note explaining missing forms, corrected statements and major life or business changes.
Official sources
This guide provides general information. The rules depend on the tax year, jurisdiction and your circumstances. Ask our team which filing or planning steps apply to you.
