Tax Season Made Easy: The Personal Tax Forms You Need to Have Ready
(So You Don’t Miss Any Credits or Deductions)
Tax season doesn’t have to be stressful 😌. The key to a smooth, accurate tax return is having the right documents ready before your appointment. When your paperwork is complete, your tax preparer can help you claim every credit and deduction you qualify for—no guessing, no delays, no missed opportunities.
At RCC & Associates, we believe in educating our clients and making the process simple. This guide breaks down exactly what forms and information you need to prepare your personal taxes the right way.
Why Having the Right Tax Documents Matters
When documents are missing, it can lead to:
Delays in filing
Smaller refunds
Missed tax credits
IRS letters later on
Having everything ready helps us deliver the RCC Experience: accurate taxes, peace of mind, and confidence that your return was done right.
Personal Information You’ll Need
Make sure you have:
Valid photo ID (for you and your spouse, if filing jointly)
Social Security numbers (or ITINs) for:
You
Your spouse
All dependents
Date of birth for everyone on the return
Last year’s tax return (helpful, but not required)
Income Forms (Very Important!)
Bring all income forms, even if you think it’s a small amount:
Employment Income
W-2 – From employers
Self-Employment or Side Hustles
1099-NEC / 1099-MISC
1099-K (payment apps like Square, Stripe, PayPal, etc.)
Records of cash income
Other Income
1099-INT – Bank interest
1099-DIV – Dividends
1099-R – Retirement or pension income
SSA-1099 – Social Security benefits
Unemployment income
Rental property income
👉 Tip: Even if income is not reported on a form, it still needs to be included.
Expense & Deduction Documents
These help reduce how much tax you owe 👇
Education
1098-T (college tuition)
Student loan interest statements
Receipts for books or required materials
Home & Living
1098 – Mortgage interest
Property tax statements
Rent paid (if applicable)
Medical Expenses
Health insurance forms (1095-A, B, or C)
Out-of-pocket medical, dental, or vision expenses
Child & Family Credits
Childcare expenses
Daycare provider name, address, and EIN or SSN
Adoption-related expenses
Donations
Charitable contribution receipts
Cash and non-cash donations
Self-Employed? Bring These Too
If you’re a business owner or independent contractor:
Business expenses (supplies, equipment, phone, internet)
Vehicle mileage or auto expenses
Home office information
Business bank statements
Health insurance paid out-of-pocket
These deductions can make a big difference when done correctly.
Bank Information (For Refunds or Payments)
To avoid delays:
Routing number
Account number
Voided check (recommended)
Direct deposit = faster refunds 💸
What If You’re Missing Something?
Don’t worry—we’ve got you. At RCC & Associates:
We review what you have
We help you identify what’s missing
We guide you step by step
Our goal is to make taxes easy, clear, and stress-free.
Ready to Get Started?
👇 Take the next step today:
Meet with a professional tax preparer in person or virtually.
Send your documents ahead of time and save time during your appointment.
Final Tip from RCC 💙
The earlier you prepare, the smoother tax season will be. Don’t wait until the last minute—secure your spot, get organized, and let us help you access every credit and deduction you deserve.