What documents do I need to file my taxes?
The short answer
It depends on whether you file as an individual, a business, or both — and most of our clients file both. Below is the complete list in plain language. Bring what you have: if something is missing, we'll tell you exactly what to get. We e-file as an Authorized IRS e-file Provider, in English and Spanish, for clients in all 50 states.
For your personal return
- Your ID and your Social Security number or ITIN (yours, your spouse's, and your dependents')
- W-2 forms from every job
- 1099 forms you received (self-employment, bank, unemployment, etc.)
- Form 1098 if you pay a mortgage or student loan interest
- Your dependents' information (dates of birth and documents)
- Last year's return, if you have it
- Bank account and routing numbers if you want your refund by direct deposit
If you have a business
- The business's income and expense records (or your bookkeeping for the year)
- Business bank statements
- 1099 forms you received and the ones you issued to subcontractors
- Payroll reports, if you have employees
- If your business is a partnership or S corporation: the business return is prepared first, because your K-1 comes from it (due March 15)
The most common mistake
Waiting until the last minute and discovering a W-2 or 1099 is missing. Employers and banks have until the end of January to send them; if one hasn't arrived by mid-February, ask for it — filing without income the IRS did receive is the number one cause of IRS letters.
Frequently asked questions
Can I file without a Social Security number?
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Yes. You file the same way with an ITIN. If you need to get or renew your ITIN, we are Certified Acceptance Agents (CAA) and process it with your return, without mailing your original documents.
I'm self-employed — what do I bring?
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Your 1099s, your income records, and your business expenses (mileage, materials, tools, phone, etc.). If your bookkeeping isn't organized, bring it as it is and we'll help you sort it out.
Do you serve my state?
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Yes. We prepare taxes for clients in all 50 states, remotely, in English and Spanish.
What if I didn't file my taxes in previous years?
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You can catch up. It's almost always better to file on your own before the IRS writes to you. We review your case and prepare the years you're missing.
How long does my refund take?
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If you file online and ask for direct deposit to your bank, it usually arrives in about 3 weeks. Sometimes it takes longer if the IRS wants to review something in your return.
How much do I need to earn to have to file taxes?
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It depends on which side you're on. IF YOU EARN THE MONEY: working for yourself (your own business, as a subcontractor, or side jobs), you have to file if you earned $400 or more in the year, even if nobody gave you a form; as an employee with a W-2, the amount is higher — a single person under 65 files if they earned $16,100 or more in the year. IF YOU OWN THE BUSINESS AND PAY OTHERS: if you paid a subcontractor $2,000 or more in the year (2026 payments), you have to give them Form 1099-NEC by February 1, 2027; your employees get a W-2, not a 1099. And remember: even if you're not required to file, it often pays to file anyway to get money back. If you're not sure about your case, ask us.
Book your tax-season spot early: message us on WhatsApp at 857-919-5069 and we'll send you your personal document list.