Checklist of documents to bring (or have ready) when filing your 2025 federal income taxes (covering the 2025 tax year, filed in 2026) with a professional tax preparer like Lucita Accounting Firm. Bringing these helps ensure an accurate return, maximizes your deductions/credits, and speeds up the process.

This list is based on IRS guidelines and common requirements for individual and small business filers. Not everything applies to everyone—bring what you have, and your tax pro can guide you on specifics (e.g., for trucking businesses, self-employment, or immigrant-related situations).

1. Personal Identification & Basic Information

• Government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver’s license, state ID, passport, or military ID) for you and your spouse (if filing jointly).

• Social Security cards or official SSN/ITIN verification letters for you, your spouse, and all dependents (or ITIN assignment letters if applicable).

• Full names, dates of birth, and addresses for everyone on the return.

• Bank account and routing numbers (for direct deposit of your refund—highly recommended).

2. Income Documents (All Forms Reporting Money You Received in 2025)

• W-2 forms from every employer (wages, salaries, tips).

• 1099-NEC or 1099-MISC (non-employee compensation, freelance, contract work, or miscellaneous income).

• 1099-K (from payment apps, online marketplaces, or gig economy platforms like Uber, DoorDash, etc.).

• 1099-INT (interest income from banks/savings).

• 1099-DIV (dividends from investments).

• 1099-B (proceeds from broker transactions, stock sales, crypto, etc.).

• 1099-G (unemployment benefits, state tax refunds, or certain government payments).

• 1099-R (distributions from pensions, IRAs, annuities, or retirement plans).

• SSA-1099 (Social Security benefits).

• Other income records (e.g., rental income statements, alimony received, gambling winnings on W-2G).

3. Deductions & Credits Documentation

• Form 1098 (mortgage interest paid on home loans).

• Form 1098-T (tuition payments for education credits).

• Form 1098-E (student loan interest paid).

• Form 1095-A (health insurance marketplace coverage, if bought through Healthcare.gov).

• Receipts/statements for charitable donations (especially if over $250—need written acknowledgment).

• Records of medical expenses (if itemizing and exceeding thresholds).

• Childcare expenses (provider’s name, address, EIN/SSN, and amount paid).

• Property tax statements or receipts.

• Home energy improvements receipts (for any energy credits).

• Mileage logs, vehicle expenses, or other records (especially useful for trucking companies or self-employed).

4. Other Important Items

• Prior year’s tax return (2024 return—helps with carryovers, comparisons, and accuracy).

• Any IRS or state tax notices/letters received in 2025 or earlier.

• Records of estimated tax payments made (Form 1040-ES vouchers or online payment confirmations).

• Business records (if self-employed, trucking, or small business owner): profit/loss statements, receipts for expenses (fuel, repairs, tolls, etc.), home office details, or Schedule C-related items.

• Adoption papers or expenses (if claiming adoption credit).

• IRA contribution statements or other retirement savings records.

Pro Tip from Lucita Accounting Firm: Organize everything in folders or digitally (scans/photos work great via our secure client portal). If you’re missing something, don’t worry—we can often pull IRS transcripts or advise next steps. For trucking or business clients, extra details on expenses can make a big difference in deductions!

Ready to file or have questions? Book your 15-Min Ready-to-File Tax Question Session or a full preparation appointment today at lucitaaccountingfirm.com or call (770) 873-0040.

We’re here to maximize your refund and keep things stress-free