How can I best prepare to file my 2025 taxes?
Totally fair question—tax prep feels way less scary when everything’s in one pile. Here’s a clean, practical checklist of what you’ll want to gather before you start (or hand off to your tax pro).
Personal info
- Social Security numbers (you, spouse, dependents)
- Dates of birth for everyone on the return
- Last year’s tax return (helpful for carryovers + filing info)
- Bank account & routing number (for refunds or payments)
Income documents
- W-2s (from employers)
- 1099s (NEC/MISC for freelance work, INT for interest, DIV for dividends, B for investments, R for retirement distributions, SSA-1099 for Social Security)
- Unemployment income (1099-G)
- Rental income records
- Any other income (side hustles, gig work, alimony received if applicable)
Investment & retirement info
- Brokerage statements (sales, dividends, capital gains)
- IRA contributions (Traditional or Roth)
- 401(k), pension, or annuity distributions
- HSA contributions and distributions (Form 5498 / 1099-SA)
Deductions & credits (this is where you may find savings)
- Mortgage interest (1098)
- Property tax records
- Charitable donations (cash + non-cash)
- Medical expenses (if itemizing)
- Childcare expenses (provider name + EIN/SSN)
- Education costs (1098-T, student loan interest)
- Energy-efficient home improvements
- State & local taxes paid
If you’re self-employed or own a business
- Income and expense records
- Mileage logs or vehicle expenses
- Home office details (square footage)
- Estimated tax payments made
- Business asset purchases
Life changes (super important)
- Marriage or divorce
- New baby or dependents
- Home purchase or sale
- Major move (especially across states)
- Inheritance or gifts
- Disaster losses
If you’re working with a tax professional
They’ll love you forever if you also bring:
- Photo ID
- Any IRS or state letters received
- Questions or concerns you had during the year (“I started a side hustle,” “We sold stock,” etc.)
You may also find it helpful to familiarize yourself with the new contribution limits:
As always, we’re here to help and support you through the process. Just reach out!