The information in this article is up to date for tax year 2024 (returns filed in 2025).
Filing your own taxes doesn’t have to be a nightmare. It can be fast and easy if you’re well prepared. A tax prep checklist is a great way to ensure you file an accurate tax return and maximize your refund. By gathering the right tax documents ahead of time, you’ll be able to take full advantage of tax credits and deductions while avoiding common mistakes. To make tax season easier, we’ve put together a simple tax prep checklist to help you stay organized and confident.
Personal information required for tax filing
To file your federal income tax return, you’ll need to provide proof of identity for yourself, your spouse, and any dependents. This ensures that your tax return is processed accurately and without delays. Here’s what you’ll need:
A valid government-issued ID: This could be a driver’s license or passport.
Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN): Essential for verifying your identity.
Dates of birth: For you, your spouse and dependents.
A copy of your previous year’s tax return: This can help verify your information and make the filing process smoother.
Routing number and account number: To receive your refund by direct deposit or pay your balance due.
Ensuring that your personal information is accurate and up-to-date is crucial for a hassle-free tax filing experience. This step helps prevent any potential issues with your federal income tax return.
Gather your income tax documents
Gathering all your income-related tax documents sets the foundation for a solid tax return. Get it right, and the rest will fall into place! Almost all income is taxable unless the IRS specifies otherwise. That’s why it’s important to have all the tax forms and supporting documents that outline your taxable income for the year. Make sure you collect the following income tax forms and documents:
W-2 forms for you and your spouse (for wage income)
1099-C forms for cancellation of debt
1099-G forms for unemployment benefits or state/local tax refunds
1099-INT, 1099-DIV, and 1099-B forms for interest, dividends, and investment income
1099-K forms for business payments (if you’re self-employed or have a side gig)
1099-MISC for miscellaneous income
- 1099-NEC for independent contractor or freelancer income
1099-R forms for retirement plan distributions
- SSA-1099 for Social Security income
Income from alimony received or paid
Business income and expenses (self-employment, freelance, or small business owners)
Rental property income and associated expenses
- Miscellaneous income such as jury duty, gambling winnings, prizes, or scholarships
Expense records for self-employed individuals, including receipts and documentation for business expenses
Tax payments and withholding
Managing your tax payments and withholding is a critical part of filing your federal income tax return. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
Estimated tax payments: If you’re self-employed or have other income not subject to withholding, you may need to make estimated tax payments throughout the year. This helps you avoid penalties and interest.
Withholding: If you’re employed, your employer withholds federal income taxes from your paycheck. You can adjust your withholding by submitting a new W-4 form to your employer, ensuring the correct amount is withheld.
Tax payments: You can make tax payments online, by phone, or by mail. If you’re unable to pay your tax bill in full, you can set up a payment plan with the IRS.
Tax credits: Take advantage of tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Child Tax Credit, which can significantly reduce your tax liability.
Reviewing your tax payments and withholding ensures you meet your tax obligations and maximize your potential savings on your federal income tax return.
Tax-deductible expenses you may be eligible for
To reduce your taxable income, keep track of your deductible expenses. These can include things like education costs, medical expenses, and charitable contributions. Add these common deductible expenses to your tax prep checklist:
Mortgage interest (Form 1098)
Student loan interest (Form 1098-E)
Tuition payments (Form 1098-T)
Federal and state estimated tax payments
Medical and dental expenses, including medical mileage and long-term care health insurance
Real estate and personal property taxes
State and local taxes
- Charitable donations (cash and non-cash), including donation mileage
Casualty and theft losses (for federally declared disasters)
Gambling losses (up to the amount of winnings)
Childcare costs, including care provider information
- IRA contributions and other retirement savings
Energy-efficient home improvement expenses
Classroom supply receipts (for K-12 educators)
Moving expenses (for active military members only)
Life changes and dependents
Life changes and dependents can significantly impact your federal income tax return. Here’s what you need to consider:
Marriage: If you got married during the tax year, you’ll need to decide whether to file jointly or separately. Report any changes in income, deductions, or credits.
Divorce or separation: If you got divorced or separated, update your filing status and report any changes in income or deductions.
Birth or adoption: Welcoming a new child into your family can make you eligible for the Child Tax Credit and other tax benefits.
Death of a spouse or dependent: If a spouse or dependent passed away, you’ll need to update your filing status and report any changes in income or deductions.
Dependents: Claiming dependents, such as children or elderly parents, requires providing their Social Security number or ITIN and reporting any changes in their income or status.
Reporting these life changes and dependents accurately on your tax return ensures you take full advantage of available tax benefits and meet your federal income tax obligations.
Health insurance forms for filing your taxes
If you got health insurance coverage through the marketplace, your tax return will need the following:
Form 1095-A: Health Insurance Marketplace Statement
Form 1095-B or 1095-C: Health insurance verification forms
Stay updated on tax law changes and available tax credits
Tax credits directly reduce the amount of tax you owe. Popular tax credits include:
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): Designed to benefit low to moderate-income workers.
Child Tax Credit: Helps families with children under 17, providing substantial financial relief.
Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit: For homeowners who made qualifying home upgrades such as energy efficient doors, windows and heat pumps.
Clean Vehicle Credit: Available for drivers who purchased a new or used qualified electric vehicle.
Some tax laws and credit amounts change yearly. So, check the official IRS website or the ezTaxReturn blog for the latest updates. Being aware of tax changes can help prevent mistakes and potentially increase your savings.
E-filing vs. Paper filing: Which is better?
Both e-filing and paper filing have pros and cons, but e-filing is typically the better choice for most taxpayers when filing a federal tax return:
E-filing: Faster processing times, reduced chance of errors, and greater security.
Paper filing: Slower processing and higher risk of lost returns, but some people prefer it for record-keeping.
How to choose the right tax software for you
Believe it or not, filing your own taxes isn’t as hard as you think. It’s your best bet if you have a straightforward tax situation and want to save money. Using tax software can make the process much easier. When choosing tax software, look for one that:
Is user-friendly and maximizes your tax deductions and credits
Guarantees accurate calculations
Provides e-filing options for faster processing
A great choice is ezTaxReturn, which offers an easy-to-use platform for filing your taxes quickly and accurately.
When to seek professional help
There are certain situations where hiring a tax professional is a good idea, including if:
Your financial situation is complex
You are self-employed or a business owner
You’ve experienced significant life changes (e.g., marriage, divorce, inheritance)
File your taxes accurately and on time
Before submitting your tax return, take time to review it for mistakes to ensure you accurately report your federal taxes. Use this checklist:
Verify personal information (name, Social Security number)
Double-check income figures from W-2s or 1099s
Confirm all deductions and credits are correctly claimed
Understand tax penalties and extensions
Remember, your taxes are due on April 15th, unless it falls on a weekend. Late filing or inaccurate returns can lead to penalties and interest. If you can’t file on time, apply for an extension, but keep in mind that any taxes owed are still due by the original deadline.
Tracking your tax refund and direct deposit
After you have filed and your tax return has been accepted, you can begin tracking the status of your tax refund. Use the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool for the latest updates. Your refund status will appear:
24 hours after e-filing
4 weeks after you’ve paper filed
Ensure your bank account information is up-to-date with the IRS to receive your refund via direct deposit.
Keep your tax documents safe and sound
To keep your tax documents safe, store copies of your tax return and supporting paperwork in both physical and digital formats. It’s a good idea to hold on to them for at least three years, just in case you need them later. Here are some tips for organizing and storing your tax documents.
Set up a filing system: Use physical folders, binders, or digital storage to organize your tax documents.
Label sections clearly: Categorize receipts, W-2s, 1099s, and other important forms for easy access.
Sort documents by type or date: Organize your tax documents chronologically or by expense type to streamline the process.
Review and update regularly: File new documents immediately to avoid losing them.
Maintain digital backups: Scan physical documents or save files to the cloud for secure storage.
Grab your tax prep checklist and file your taxes with ease
Navigating taxes doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By following this tax prep checklist, you can avoid costly mistakes and file your taxes accurately and on time. Preparation is key to a stress-free experience.
Ready to get started? File your taxes online with for a fast, easy, and stress-free filing experience.
The articles and content published on this blog are provided for informational purposes only. The information presented is not intended to be, and should not be taken as, legal, financial, or professional advice. Readers are advised to seek appropriate professional guidance and conduct their own due diligence before making any decisions based on the information provided.
