What if I am missing a W-2 or 1099?

Contact the issuer first. If you cannot obtain it, you can file using your records (pay stubs, bank statements) and attach Form 4852 (substitute W-2) to your return. The IRS also has a tool to help retrieve missing documents.

Do I need my prior year tax return?

Yes. Your prior year return is helpful for reference and essential for checking carryover items like capital losses, AMT credits, and charitable contribution carryforwards.

Tax Basics & Filing Requirements

Preparing Personal Information for Your Tax Return: Complete Checklist

14:15By ForeignLLCTax

Key Takeaways

Gather SSNs/ITINs for yourself, spouse, and all dependents
Collect ALL income documents: W-2s, 1099s, K-1s before filing
Wait until mid-February to ensure all documents have been received
Organize deduction documents: mortgage interest, property taxes, donations, medical expenses
Having everything ready before filing saves time and reduces errors

Gathering Personal Information for Your Return

Before starting your tax return, assemble all necessary personal information. This includes Social Security Numbers (or ITINs) for yourself, your spouse, and all dependents. You also need your current home address, date of birth, and bank account information for direct deposit of any refund.

Income Documents Checklist

Collect all income-related documents before filing: W-2s from all employers, 1099-NEC forms from freelance clients, 1099-INT from banks, 1099-DIV from investment accounts, 1099-B from brokerages, K-1s from partnerships or S corporations, 1099-R from retirement distributions, and SSA-1099 for Social Security benefits.

Wait until mid-February to ensure you have received all documents. Filing too early with missing income documents can result in CP2000 notices from the IRS.

Deduction and Credit Documents

Also gather documents supporting deductions and credits: mortgage interest statement (Form 1098), property tax bills, charitable donation receipts, medical expense records, education expense statements (Form 1098-T), student loan interest statement (Form 1098-E), and childcare provider information (name, address, EIN, and amounts paid).

Having all documents organized before you sit down to file — or before meeting with your tax professional — saves time and reduces the risk of errors.

tax basicsfiling requirementsIRS formstax preparation