What Tax Forms Do I Need to File My Tax Return?

It can be hard to keep track of all your forms, but if you have a handy list on your fridge, you organize and save the documents as they come in.

If you’re ready to file your taxes, here are some major tax forms you want to have ready. They’ll make a huge difference and in some cases, they can help you get a bigger tax refund.

Important Tax Forms

W-2s

This is probably the most anticipated form during the tax season. Your employer should already sent this to you at the beginning of the year. This document is a record of your total income for the year as well as your federal state and local taxes paid so far. If you’ve have automatic deductions for your 401(k) at work, this amount will lower your taxable income.

1099s

My husband and I received quite of bit of these documents this year. We have a few high interest savings accounts and earned a little bit of money for stashing it away. Banks are required to send you a 1099-INT so you can file that with your taxes since it is a form of income.

I also do some freelance and contract work which means I get 1099s for the projects I’ve worked on this past year. It’s important for those self employed to keep thorough records throughout the year to make sure they catch everything that need come tax time. Here’s a checklist of what tax forms you need in order to file.

1098s

For those paying mortgage interest, you should have received a statement or letter from your lender that shows the total interest paid in the last year.

If you paid student loan interest, there’s a form just for you, the 1098-E.

Thoughts on Tax Forms

If you haven’t received any of the forms and you should, please call your employer, lender, whoever to get those important documents sent to you as soon as possible.

If you’re preparing to file your taxes, tax preparation software like TurboTax can be a huge help in helping you fill out the correct forms for your tax situation. By going through an interview process, you’ll be guided to the right forms and the program will populate the information in the correct.

It makes taxes less of a headache. You’ll have more time for things that matter to you. I’d like to hear your take on taxes. How are you filing your taxes this year?