Tax organizer
A tax organizer is a checklist of the information a preparer needs to do your return. Filling it in early prevents the back-and-forth that delays filing. Use the sections below, download the spreadsheet, or print this page. Tax preparers can send it to clients as a document request.
Personal information
- Names, Social Security numbers and birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents
- Photo ID (first-year clients)
- Bank account and routing number for refunds or payments
- Last year's tax return (new clients)
- Any IRS or state notices received this year
- Changes in marital status, address, dependents or health coverage
Income
- W-2 from each employer
- 1099-NEC and 1099-MISC for freelance or contract income
- 1099-K from payment platforms and marketplaces
- 1099-INT and 1099-DIV for interest and dividends
- 1099-B or broker statements for stock and crypto sales
- 1099-R for retirement distributions and SSA-1099 for Social Security
- 1099-G for unemployment or state refunds
- K-1 from partnerships, S corporations, estates or trusts
- Rental income and expense records
- Records of any other income, including prizes and gambling
Adjustments
- IRA contributions (Form 5498)
- HSA contributions (Form 5498-SA) and distributions (Form 1099-SA)
- Student loan interest (Form 1098-E)
- Self-employed health insurance premiums
- Educator expenses, if applicable
Deductions
- Mortgage interest (Form 1098) and points paid
- Property tax bills
- State and local income or sales tax records
- Charitable donations with receipts and written acknowledgments
- Medical and dental expenses, if you may itemize
Credits
- Childcare provider name, address, tax ID and amount paid
- Tuition statements (Form 1098-T)
- Health insurance forms (Form 1095-A if from the marketplace)
- Energy-efficient home improvement or electric vehicle purchase records
Self-employed and business
- Income summary and bank statements
- Expense receipts and categories
- Mileage log with business miles
- Home office measurements, if applicable
- Equipment purchases with invoices
- Estimated tax payments made during the year
Home and life events
- Closing statement if you bought or sold a home
- Records of major improvements
- Documents related to marriage, divorce, birth, adoption or a death in the family
Fill it in as you go
The easiest way to use an organizer is to keep it open from January and drop documents in as they arrive. Most forms are mailed or posted by the end of January, but some, such as brokerage statements, can arrive later.
If you don't have something
Tell your preparer instead of waiting. Many preparers can often download forms or work from your account details, and missing items can sometimes be estimated or requested again.
For tax preparers
Send this list to each client early, mark what has arrived, and follow up only on what's missing. A private upload link per client and automatic reminders keep the follow-up off your plate.
Frequently asked questions
What is a tax organizer?
A checklist or questionnaire that tells you which documents and details to gather for your tax return, usually supplied by your preparer.
Do I need every item on the list?
No. Use the sections that apply to you and skip the rest.
Is there an Excel version?
Yes, download the spreadsheet above and tick items off as documents arrive.
Related checklists
This is a general checklist to help you gather paperwork, not tax or legal advice. Rules and thresholds change and depend on your situation, so confirm details with a qualified preparer or the IRS.