To file your personal taxes, you will need to gather some important documents and information. Here are some of the documents you may need:
1. **Form W-2**: This is the wage and tax statement provided by your employer(s) that shows your annual earnings and the amount of taxes withheld from your paycheck. You should receive a copy of this form for each job you had during the tax year.
2. **Form 1099**: This form is used to report various types of income that may not be included on your W-2, such as income from freelance work, self-employment, or investments. There are different types of Form 1099, depending on the specific source of income.
3. **Form 1098**: If you have a mortgage, your lender will provide you with this form, which shows the amount of mortgage interest you paid during the year. This amount may be deductible on your tax return.
4. **Other income documents**: If you received income from other sources, such as rental properties, alimony, or retirement accounts, you will need to gather documents that report this income, such as rental agreements, divorce decrees, or retirement account statements.
5. **Receipts and records of expenses**: If you plan to itemize deductions, you will need to gather receipts and records for eligible expenses, such as medical expenses, property taxes, mortgage interest, charitable contributions, and business expenses. It's important to maintain accurate and organized records for these deductions.
6. **Bank and investment statements**: Gather your bank statements and investment account statements, as they may be needed to report interest income, dividend income, capital gains, or losses.
7. **Social Security numbers**: You will need the Social Security numbers for yourself, your spouse (if applicable), and any dependents you are claiming on your tax return.
8. **Previous year's tax return**: Having a copy of your previous year's tax return can be useful for reference and comparison purposes.
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of all possible documents you may need, as tax requirements can vary depending on individual circumstances. It is always a good idea to consult with a tax professional or refer to the official IRS website for comprehensive guidance on which documents you specifically need to file your personal taxes.
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