Filing taxes isn't hard. Finding all the documents is. The forms you need arrive on different schedules from different sources — start gathering in February, not April.
Done in seconds. No sign-up required.
Every return starts with the basics. Have these ready before you open your tax software.
These forms report what you earned. Most arrive by January 31, but investment statements can come later.
If you received income from renting property, gig economy work, or selling items online (Venmo, PayPal, eBay), that's also reportable even if you don't receive a form for it.
You'll only need these if you're itemizing or claiming credits, but they can take time to locate. Gather them before you start filing, not mid-session.
The documents arrive on a rolling schedule. Waiting until everything has arrived before starting your return often means waiting until late February or March. That's fine — as long as you've started gathering, not as long as you haven't thought about it yet.
| January 31 | W-2s, most 1099s (INT, DIV, NEC), Form 1095-A |
| Mid-February | Some consolidated brokerage 1099s, mortgage statements |
| March | Complex brokerage 1099s, some K-1s |
| Recommended start date | Mid-February, once W-2s and basic 1099s have arrived |
| Filing deadline | April 15, 2026 |
If you're still waiting on a K-1 or complex brokerage statement in late March, filing an extension is reasonable. But file the extension by April 15 — it doesn't extend the payment deadline. Full details on the extension deadline page.
For the main filing deadline, see the tax return deadline for 2026. For what happens if April 15 passes and you haven't filed, see the late filing penalty guide.
At minimum: a government-issued ID, your Social Security number, W-2s from all employers, and bank account details for direct deposit. Add 1099s for freelance or investment income, and any records for deductions you plan to claim.
Employers must send W-2s by January 31. Banks and brokerages send 1099s by January 31 for basic interest and dividends, but consolidated 1099s for investments can arrive as late as mid-February or early March.
Contact the issuer first. If they can't help, you can request copies of wage transcripts from the IRS using Form 4506-T. Allow several weeks — this is not a same-day process.
Keep records for at least three years from the date you filed — that's the standard IRS audit window. For assets with long holding periods (like property), keep records until three years after you sell.
Mortgage interest statement (Form 1098), property tax receipts, and records of any home improvements (relevant if you later sell). If you paid points when buying, those are also deductible.
File an extension using Form 4868 by April 15. This gives you until October 15 to file, and buys time to locate or request missing forms. The extension only covers filing, not any taxes you owe.
A reminder in February gives you time to find everything before the April 15 rush. Free, no account needed.
Set My Document Gathering ReminderLast modified: