Tax Tip 2025-14: Gathering records is the first step of tax preparation

IRS Tax Tips

Feb. 5, 2025

Issue Number: Tax Tip 2025-14

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.

The Get Ready page on IRS.gov offers practical tips and resources to help taxpayers prepare. It highlights key updates and important steps for making tax filing easier in 2025.

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.

People should visit How to Register for Certain Online Self-Help Tools for more information about how to create an IRS Online Account or how to reset the username or password.

More information:

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Issue Number: Tax Tip 2025-14