Tax document checklist.

The basics

• Last year's tax returns (federal and state)
• Social Security numbers and birth dates for you, your spouse, and dependents
• Photo ID for you and your spouse
• Bank account and routing number for direct deposit of your refund
• Any letters or notices from the IRS or the state

Income

• W-2s from every employer
• 1099-NEC and 1099-K forms for self-employment, side work, or payment apps
• 1099-INT and 1099-DIV for interest and dividends
• 1099-B or brokerage statements for investments you sold
• 1099-R for retirement account and pension distributions
• SSA-1099 for Social Security benefits
• 1099-G for unemployment or a state tax refund
• Schedule K-1s from partnerships, S corporations, or trusts
• Records of any other income, such as rent, alimony, or gambling winnings

Deductions and credits

• Form 1098 for mortgage interest
• Property tax statements
• Receipts or statements for charitable donations
• Childcare costs, with each provider's name, address, and tax ID
• Form 1098-T for college tuition and 1098-E for student loan interest
• Health savings account forms (1099-SA and 5498-SA)
• Form 1095-A if you had health insurance through the Marketplace (MNsure in Minnesota)
• Medical expenses, if they were large this year
• Records of estimated tax payments you made during the year

Minnesota specific

Easy to miss, and they can add up.

• Certificate of Rent Paid (CRP) from your landlord, if you rent, for the renter's credit
• Receipts for K-12 education expenses, such as school supplies, tutoring, and some fees, for the K-12 education credit or subtraction
• Your homeowner property tax statement, for the Homestead Credit Refund

If you own a business or are self-employed

• Profit and loss statement and balance sheet, or access to your books
• Bank and credit card statements for business accounts
• 1099s you issued to contractors and vendors
• Payroll reports, including W-2 and W-3 totals
• Mileage log and vehicle expenses
• Home office square footage and household expenses, if you use part of your home for work
• Purchases of equipment, vehicles, or other assets, with dates and costs
• Loan statements for business debt