The Complete Checklist of Forms, Documents, and Details You Don’t Want to Miss
Tax season is officially here. Whether you’re expecting a refund or bracing for a bill, one thing is certain: being prepared is half the battle.
Before you start clicking through tax software or emailing your accountant, it’s worth gathering everything you need in one place. Missing a single form could mean leaving money on the table — or worse, getting flagged by the IRS.
This guide covers all the essential documents, forms, and information you need to successfully file your 2024 tax return (which is due April 15, 2025).
📝 The downloadable IRS forms linked throughout this guide come straight from the IRS.gov website — so you know you’re always getting the real thing.
Explore more in this 『2025 Tax Filing Guide』 Series →
2025 Tax Filing Guide: Deductions, Credits, and More
├─ Tax Deadline 2025
├─ Top 10 Tax Deductions
├─ Last-Minute Filing Tips
├─ CTC & EITC in 2025?
├─ ✅ IRS Forms to File Your Taxes (You are here)
├─ Tax Extension?
├─ Tax Benefits If You’re Self-Employed
├─ Capital Gains Tax Explained
├─ Deadline for State Tax
├─ What Happen If You Miss the Tax Deadline?
├─ Already Filed Taxes and Got a 1042-S?
└─ It’s Almost Over — File Your Taxes Now Before It’s Too Late
Step 1: Start with the Basics
| What You Need | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Social Security Numbers for you, your spouse, and any dependents | Required for every person listed on your tax return. |
| Bank account and routing number | So the IRS can deposit your refund directly into your account — faster and safer than a check. |
| Last year’s return | Useful for checking carryovers (like capital losses or charitable deductions) and verifying info. |
| Driver’s license or state ID | Some states and tax platforms ask for this for security. |
Step 2: Income Forms — The Backbone of Your Return
You’ll need to report every type of income you earned in 2024. Most of this will arrive via official IRS forms between January and early March.
| Form | What It Reports |
|---|---|
| Form W-2 PDF | Your salary or wage income from an employer |
| Form 1099-NEC PDF | Freelance or contractor income (think Uber, Upwork, etc.) |
| Form 1099-K PDF | Payment processors like PayPal, Venmo, Square (new rules apply if income > $5,000 in 2024) |
| Form 1099-MISC PDF | Miscellaneous income, such as rent, prizes, or royalties |
| Form 1099-INT PDF Form 1099-DIV PDF | Interest from banks or dividends from stocks/funds |
| Form 1099-R PDF | Retirement distributions (from an IRA, pension, or annuity) |
| SSA-1099 (SSA.gov) | Social Security income for retirees or disabled individuals |
| Form 1099-G PDF | Unemployment benefits or state tax refunds |
| Form 1099-B PDF | Profits or losses from selling stocks, crypto, or other assets |
| Form 1042-S PDF | Foreign-source income paid to nonresidents (often arrives late) |
| Form 1065 (Schedule K-1) PDF | Partner’s Share of Income, Deductions, Credits, etc |
| Form 1120-S (Schedule K-1) PDF | Shareholder’s Share of Income, Deductions, Credits, etc. |
📌 Tip: Even if you didn’t receive a form (especially 1099-Ks or crypto statements), you’re still legally required to report that income.
Step 3: Deductions & Credits – Documents That Save You Money
The IRS won’t give you deductions unless you prove you qualify. Here are the documents and forms that can lower your tax bill or boost your refund.
| Form or Proof | Used For |
|---|---|
| Form 1098 PDF | Mortgage interest (itemized deduction) |
| Form 1098-T PDF | Tuition & education expenses (education credits) |
| Form 1098-E PDF | Student loan interest (up to $2,500 deduction) |
| Form 8863 PDF | Claiming the American Opportunity or Lifetime Learning Credit |
| Form 2441 PDF | Claiming the Child & Dependent Care Credit |
| Form 8880 PDF | Saver’s Credit for contributing to retirement accounts |
| Form 5329 PDF | Reporting penalty exceptions on early retirement withdrawals |
| Form 8283 PDF | Noncash Charitable Contributions (especially for gifts > $500) |
| Publication 503 PDF | Child and Dependent Care Credit Must include provider info and EIN or SSN |
| Publication 502 PDF | Medical and Dental Expenses For itemized deductions exceeding 7.5% of AGI |
Want more ways to save thousands?
👉 Check out these “Top 10 Tax Deductions” that actually work.
Step 4: Retirement & Health Contributions
These are easy to forget — but they can come with big tax benefits.
| Form | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| Form 5498 PDF | IRA contributions (may arrive after tax day — keep your own records, too) |
| Employer retirement summary | 401(k) or 403(b) contributions shown on your W-2 |
| HSA contribution statement | Shows what you contributed (and spent) from your Health Savings Account |
💡 Not sure which retirement plan gives you the best tax benefits?
Step 5: Health Insurance Forms
You may need to report your insurance, especially if you got coverage through the Marketplace.
| Form | Use |
|---|---|
| Form 1095-A PDF | Proof of coverage through Healthcare.gov (needed to reconcile advance premium tax credit) |
| Form 1095-B PDF | Health Coverage |
| Form 1095-C PDF | Employer-Provided Health Insurance Offer and Coverage |
Step 6: For the Self-Employed, Freelancers, or Side Hustlers
If you worked for yourself, even part-time, you’ll need:
- Expense logs (mileage, phone bills, software, advertising)
- Receipts and invoices
- Home office square footage (if applicable)
- Business income forms (1099-NEC, 1099-K)
You’ll likely need to file Form 1040 (Schedule C) PDF and possibly Form 1040 (Schedule SE) PDF for self-employment tax.
Preparation Pays Off
Tax season doesn’t have to be a guessing game. The more prepared you are — with every form and document in hand — the less stressful and more accurate your filing will be.
Print this checklist. Use a folder labeled “2024 Taxes.” Start collecting everything now, and you’ll thank yourself in April.
And if a surprise form shows up late (like a 1042-S), don’t worry — you can still amend your return if needed.
📚 Part of the Series: “Tax Filing Guide: Deductions, Credits, and More”
