Gathering records is the first step of tax preparation

Taxpayers should start gathering and organizing records to get ready for filing their 2024 federal tax return. They need all year-end income documents to help ensure they file a complete and accurate 2024 federal tax return and avoid refund delays.

Documents

Taxpayers should have all necessary records handy, such as W-2s, 1099s, receipts, canceled checks and other documents that support any income, deductions or credits reported on their tax return.

Most taxpayers should receive income documents including:

• Forms W-2, Wage and Tax Statement.

• Form 1099-MISC, Miscellaneous Income.

• Form 1099-INT, Interest Income.

• Form 1099-NEC, Nonemployee Compensation.

• Form 1099-G, Certain Government Payments – such as unemployment compensation or state tax refund.

• Form 1095-A, Health Insurance Marketplace Statements.

IRS Online Account

An IRS Online Account makes it easy for taxpayers to quickly get the tax planning info they need. With an IRS Online Account, they can:

• View key details from their most recent tax return, such as adjusted gross income.

• Request an Identity Protection PIN.

• Get account transcripts to include wage and income records.

• Sign tax forms like powers of attorney or tax information authorizations.

• View and edit language preferences and alternative media.

• Receive and view notices and letters.

• View, make and cancel payments.