Here are all of the documents you need to file your taxes (2024)

Whether you file your taxes yourself using online software or consult a professional, knowing what types of documents you'll need can help make the process less painful. Being better prepared can help prevent mistakes and speed up tax refunds.

CNBC Select compiled a list of some of the most important documents needed to file your taxes based on guidance from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

One way to help make your tax filing season go more smoothly is to use the right tax software. Some of CNBC Select's top picks include TurboTax and H&R Block.

TurboTax offers a variety of plans, including ones where you can get real-time help from tax experts or simply opt for a local tax expert to handle the entire process for you. It also backs its services with several guarantees.

The first step to filing your taxes is to provide personal information, including including the bank account where you want your tax refund to be deposited.

• Your full name
• Date of birth
• Social security or tax ID number
• Home address
• Previous years' tax records
• Bank account information for direct deposit refunds
• Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) if applicable

If you're married and filing a joint return with your spouse, you'll need this information for them as well.

If applicable, you'll have to provide the information of any dependents, such as children or elderly parents that you might support.

• Dependent's name, date of birth and social security or tax ID number
• Any income information of a dependent or other adult in your home

You may need several different documents depending on your sources of income, but here are a few common ones:

• W-2 information from your employer
• 1099 forms such as 1099-G (unemployment), 1099-NEC (contract work) 1099-MISC (miscellaneous income), 1099-INT (interest income), 1099-DIV (investment dividends), 1099-B (income from stock sales), 1000-G (government payments) and others
• W-2G forms for certain gambling activity
• SSA-1099 form to report social security benefits
• Rental income
• Jury duty records

Most of these forms should have been mailed to you by the week of Jan. 31. If you're missing any forms, reach out to the business or government entity to get them before you start filing your tax return. The IRS may penalize you if you forget to include any of these forms.

There are many different types of deductions, and chances are that you won't qualify for all of them, but here are a few that people often qualify for:

• 1098 form for mortgage payments
• 1098-E form for student loan interest paid over $600
• 1098-T form for tuition and education costs
• Real estate taxes
• Medical expenses
• State and local taxes such as income tax and sales tax
• Charitable donations
• Casualty, disaster, and theft losses
• Financial losses

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