What you should gather in advance?

Every January starts the same way — some people prepare early, and others wait until the last minute and end up sorting through piles of papers late at night.

To avoid the second category, here’s a practical, easy-to-follow checklist. It will help you gather everything in advance, calmly and without unnecessary stress, especially useful for families, employees, self-employed taxpayers, and small business owners in Monroe, Indian Trail, Matthews, Waxhaw, Weddington, and greater Union County, North Carolina.

1. Verify Social Security Numbers for All Family Members

Without a valid SSN (Social Security Number) you cannot file your tax return, and you won’t be able to claim credits such as the Child Tax Credit or Earned Income Credit.

Collect the SSNs of everyone listed on your return:

• yourself
• your spouse
• your children
• other dependents (for example, parents you support)

Tip:

Double-check every digit. Even a small mistake can delay your IRS processing by several weeks.

Example:

If your child recently received a new SSN—or a family member received an ITIN—make sure your tax software or preparer has the updated number.

Correct: verify SSN cards in advance.

Incorrect: search for them on the day you file.

2. Find Your Prior-Year Tax Returns (Federal and State)

Your previous return is not just a reference — it helps you:

• confirm income sources (and avoid missing anything)
• review which deductions and credits you used
• speed up preparation since some information carries forward

Example:

If you claimed the American Opportunity Credit last year for college expenses, check whether you’re eligible again — many students qualify for up to four years.

Tip:

Keep prior returns in a folder labeled “Tax Returns Archive” — both paper copies and digital versions. The IRS may request them if something needs clarification.

3. Gather All W-2 Forms From Employers

If you work as an employee, your W-2 is the main form showing your wages and taxes withheld.

Tip:

If you worked multiple jobs — part-time, seasonal, or temporary — make sure you receive all W-2s. Employers must send them by January 31.

Example:

If you worked a regular job and also did evening delivery work, you will receive two W-2s. IRS receives them automatically, so don’t miss any.

Correct: match the number of W-2s to the number of employers.

Incorrect: assume small or temporary jobs “don’t count.”

4. Check All 1099 Forms — Income Outside of Employment

If you received payments outside of traditional employment, you’ll likely have one or more 1099 forms.

Most common:

• 1099-NEC — freelance, contract, self-employed income
• 1099-K — PayPal, Venmo, Stripe, Etsy, Uber, DoorDash, etc.
• 1099-INT — bank interest
• 1099-DIV — dividends
• 1099-B — trading stocks, ETFs, or crypto

Tip:

Don’t rely on paper mail — many platforms only provide digital copies (Upwork, Robinhood, CashApp, Coinbase, Etsy, Uber, etc.).

Example:

If you drove for Uber and sold crafts on Etsy, you may receive both a 1099-K and 1099-NEC. Missing one may trigger IRS questions.

Correct: check your IRS Online Account — many forms appear there early.

Incorrect: expect everything to arrive in the mailbox.

5. Collect Proof for Deductions and Credits

Every deduction or credit must be supported by documentation. The IRS loves evidence.

Prepare receipts and confirmations for:

• Charitable donations — church, nonprofits, relief funds
• Mortgage interest — Form 1098
• Education expenses — Form 1098-T, tuition receipts
• Medical expenses — doctor bills, pharmacy receipts
• Taxes paid — NC state tax, property tax
• Childcare costs — daycare receipts (you’ll need the provider’s EIN or SSN)

Tip:

Create separate folders: Charity, Education, Health, Mortgage, Childcare.

Example:

If you donated $100 monthly to a local church in Monroe or Waxhaw, print your annual bank report — IRS accepts it.

Correct: keep receipts and statements.

Incorrect: write “donated $500 cash” with no proof.

6. Prepare Bank Statements

Bank statements help:

• confirm income and interest
• verify expenses and donations
• identify deductible transactions you may have forgotten

Tip:

Download statements for the entire tax year (January–December) and save them in a folder labeled “Bank Statements 2025.”

Example:

If you paid for English classes in December (even if the classes start in January), the payment belongs to last year’s return — it matters for certain deductions and credits.

7. Bonus: Additional Documents People Often Forget

• 1098-E — student loan interest
• Childcare receipts — daycare, after-school programs
• 1095-A/B/C — health insurance forms (important for Marketplace plans)
• Retirement contributions — 401(k), Roth/Traditional IRA statements
• HSA contributions — Form 5498-SA

Tip:

Many of these come by email — search your inbox for “1098,” “1099,” or the provider’s name.

Preparing for Tax Season Doesn’t Need to Be Stressful

Tax preparation isn’t something you should rush through in early April.

If you start gathering your documents throughout January and February, the entire process becomes smoother, faster, and far less stressful.

And if you’re not sure whether a document is missing, it’s always better to ask a tax professional or check IRS.gov than to receive a letter titled “Notice from IRS.”

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