*Including dividends from stocks and even interest earned on your savings account.
**For example, student loans, coursework, interest you paid on a mortgage, etc.

Social Security Numbers
For you, your spouse (if you're filing jointly) and any dependents. LearnVest recommends you have your SSN memorized by heart—so hopefully you can already check this off!

W-2 Forms
This form records the wages you earned for the year from your employer. (Make sure this number is in your LV budget!) Your employer needs to give you this form, either at the office or by mail. If you haven’t received it by the end of January, make sure to contact Human Resources!

Receipts
If you plan on deducting any expenses or charitable contributions, unreimbursed job related expenses, accounting fees, etc from your taxable income, you will need to have those receipts on hand. Don’t forget to check your credit card statements and e-mail for all donations given.

Bank Account Numbers
If you are filing electronically (which we strongly recommend!) and are expecting a refund, you can opt for direct deposit into your checking account by providing your bank's routing number and your bank account number. These can be found in a bank statement or on a personal check.

1099 Forms
1099s are forms you receive for ‘income earned’ through interest, dividends, capital gains, scholarships and other forms of income. For example, if you are self-employed, you will receive 1099s from the companies you worked for as an independent contractor.

1098 Forms
Forms for expenses that you can claim tax deductions or credits for (i.e. student loans, coursework, interest you paid on a mortgage, etc.)

Gather your paperwork!

Check your mail/Inbox/online bank accounts for all of the above forms. If you are missing any forms that you know are relevant to you, time to get on the phone and track them down!

Comb through your credit card statements to find those charitable receipts.
Action Time: 7 minutes