Whether you file your return for the 2026 tax season using online software or consult a tax professional, you need to get the right forms and information before you start.
The IRS forms and income documents you'll need depend on your job type, investments, deductions and other factors. Still, most people use a core set of IRS forms and income documents.
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What you need to file taxes in 2026
Personal information
Hopefully, you already know your name, Social Security (or Tax ID number), and home address. But you'll also need:
- A copy of your 2024 federal tax return
- Any notifications you received from the IRS or state revenue department
- Bank account information (to direct deposit your refunds)
- An IRS Identity Protection PIN, if applicable
If you're married and filing a joint return, you'll need your spouse's details, as well. And if you have minor children or elderly parents you support, you'll need their date of birth, Social Security or Tax ID number and any income information.
Income documents
Depending on how you earn your living, there are several different income-reporting forms.
Form W-2
Sent from your employer, this form, also known as a Wage and Tax Statement, indicates income earned and the amount of taxes withheld from your paycheck in the previous year.
1099 forms
This collection of documents is for income that's not considered to come from your main employer.
- 1099-K: Income from third-party apps and online marketplaces
- 1099-NEC: For other contract work
- Form 1099-G: For unemployment compensation
- Form 1040 (Schedule 1‑A): To deduct qualifying tips
- 1099-R: Pension, annuities, IRA
- 1099-INT: interest income
- 1099-DIV: investment dividends
- 1099-B: Income from stock sales
- 1000-G: Government payments
- 1099-MISC: Miscellaneous income
You're considered self-employed if companies pay you without withholding taxes. Depending on the nature of your income, you may need to include Schedule C (business income), Schedule SE (self-employment tax) or 1099-NEC or 1099-K.
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Other tax documents
- Form W-2G: All gambling winnings need to be reported to the IRS, but if you won at least $600, the casino or online platform should provide you with IRS Form W-2G (Certain Gambling Winnings), either on the spot or later.
- Form 1040 (Schedule E): For rental income
- SSA-1099: Reports any Social Security benefits you received in the previous year.
Tax deductions and credits
The standard deduction for 2025 tax returns is $15,750 for single filers and marrieds filing separately, $23,625 for heads of household and $31,500 for married couples filing jointly.
If you itemize, however, you can claim charitable donations, medical expenses, local income tax, childcare, financial losses and more, using IRS Form 1040 with Schedule A.
You also need to document any tax credits you take. There are too many to list in full, but these are among the most common.
- Deducting mortgage interest payments: Form 1098
- Student loan interest deductions: Form 1098-E for
- Tuition and education costs: Form 1098-T
- Retirement account contributions (a.k.a. saver's credit): Form 5498
- Health Savings Account contributions: Form 5498-SA
- American opportunity and lifetime learning credits 1098-T
- Child Tax Credit: Schedule 8812 (Form 1040)
- Earned Income Tax Credit: Schedule EIC (Form 1040)
Tax software
One way to make filing easier is to use the right tax software: Both TurboTax and H&R Block have made CNBC Select's best list for online tax prep.
TurboTax offers a variety of plans, whether you're a DIYer, need real-time help or just want to pass the whole thing to an independent tax professional to handle. TurboTax claims 37% of customers qualify for its free edition.
TurboTax
Free version
If you have a simple Form 1040 return only (no forms or schedules except as needed to claim the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, student loan interest, and Schedule 1-A), you can file for free yourself with TurboTax Free Edition, or you can file with TurboTax Expert Assist Basic at the listed price. Roughly 37% of taxpayers are eligible.
Guarantee
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Tax refund advance loan
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Read our review of TurboTax tax software.
H&R Block also offers an easy-to-use interface and promises 100% accuracy or it will reimburse any penalties or interest up to $10,000. Depending on the plan, filers can get live support online, over the phone or at one of more than 11,000 branches nationwide.
H&R Block
Free version
Yes
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Live support
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Read our H&R Block tax software review
Tax documents FAQs
What documents do I need to send with my tax return?
At the very least, you'll typically need a W-2 from your employer, as well as the appropriate 1099 forms for any additional income. If you are planning on itemizing your deductions, you'll need a Schedule A (Form 1040), and documentation to back up your claims.
Does the IRS ask for birth certificates?
The IRS can ask for birth certificates. This is more common in situations involving how children are being claimed.
How long do I have to keep my tax documents?
The IRS recommends keeping tax returns for three years. Keeping supporting documentation on hand can be helpful if you are audited.
What is IRS Form 1040?
IRS Form 1040 is the document that U.S. taxpayers use to report their annual income to the IRS. Additional forms, such as a W-2 and various 1099s, are often required along with your 1040.
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