Tax Preparation Made Simple: A Checklist for a Stress-Free Tax Season
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(Edited by Shauna Scarnato)
Tax season is here! If you’re not sure where to begin, don’t sweat it—we’ve got you covered! Whether you file early every year or wait until the deadline is looming, a little preparation can save you time, money and frustration.
Use this tax preparation checklist to stay organized, avoid common mistakes and feel confident heading into the 2026 tax season.
Step 1: Save the Date
The tax filing deadline for 2026 is April 15, but you will want to make an appointment with a tax professional or schedule time to complete your filing on your own well in advance. Be sure to mark your calendar. Giving yourself extra time helps you:
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Track down missing documents.
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Ask questions without rushing.
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Avoid penalties for late filing.
Need more time? You can request a filing extension on the IRS website. This gives you until October 15 to file without penalties. However, the extension is only for filing your return. You still need to pay any taxes owed by the April filing date.
Step 2: Gather Personal Information
Before you start filing, make sure you have these essentials ready:
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Social Security numbers or tax ID numbers (for you and any dependents).
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Your bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit or tax payments. You can find these numbers quickly in digital banking:
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Log in to digital banking.
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Click on the account you need details for.
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Scroll down past your balance.
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Click the eye icon to view the full account number (the routing number appears underneath).
Step 3: Organize Important Tax Documents
A little organization goes a long way. Whether you file on your own or work with a tax professional, gather these documents before you begin:
Income Documents
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W-2 forms from each employer (sent by Jan. 31).
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1099 forms, which include income you received outside your employer—such as interest, gambling winnings and retirement distributions.
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Records of income not reported on a form—such as cash payments, tips and side gigs.
Reference Documents
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A copy of last year’s tax return (often needed to e-sign your current return).
Deductions and Credits
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Health-related expenses (if applicable): Certain medical, dental and health insurance costs may be deductible if they exceed a percentage of your adjusted gross income and you itemize deductions.
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Education expenses: Tuition, fees and other qualified education costs might be eligible for education credits or deductions.
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Childcare or dependent care costs: Expenses for the care of children or dependents while you work or attend school may qualify for a tax credit.
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Retirement contributions: Contributions to eligible retirement accounts, like IRAs or 401(k)s, can reduce your taxable income.
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Other deductible expenses: Charitable donations, certain business or work-related expenses and other qualifying costs.
Not everyone qualifies for every deduction or credit. Eligibility depends on your income, filing status and other factors. Always check IRS guidance or consult a tax professional to confirm what applies to you.
Pro tip: Keep receipts, invoices and account statements organized throughout the year. Having detailed records makes filing easier and ensures you don’t miss out on deductions or credits you’re eligible for.
Step 4: Choose the Right Tax Filing Option
Once your documents are ready, decide how you’ll file. Members 1st members can take advantage of exclusive tax prep savings, including:
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Save 20% on TurboTax®* federal products—file with expert help or leave it to the pros.
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Save up to $25 on H&R Block®** professional tax prep with expert help in-office, by video or phone.
Whether you prefer DIY filing or working face-to-face with a professional, these discounts can help keep more money in your pocket.
A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way
Tax season doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. By getting organized early and using the right tools, you can make filing easier—and reduce stress along the way.
*TurboTax Offer: Visit http://turbotax.intuit.com/lp/yoy/guarantees.jsp for TurboTax product guarantees and other important information. Limited time offer for TurboTax 2025. Discount applies to TurboTax federal products only. Actual prices are determined at the time of print or e-file and are subject to change without notice. Terms, conditions, features, availability, pricing, fees, service and support options subject to change without notice. Intuit, TurboTax and TurboTax Online, among others, are registered trademarks and/or service marks of Intuit Inc. in the United States and other countries. Money movement services are provided by Intuit Payments Inc., licensed as a Money Transmitter by the New York State Department of Financial Services. For more information about Intuit Payments' money transmission licenses, please visit https://www.intuit.com/legal/licenses/payment-licenses/. 1Up to 5 Days Early to Your Bank Account: Personal taxes only. Your federal tax refund will be deposited to your selected bank account up to 5 days before the refund settlement date provided by the IRS (the date your refund would have arrived if sent from the IRS directly). The receipt of your refund up to 5 Days Early is subject to IRS submitting refund information to us at least 5 days before the refund settlement date. IRS does not always provide refund settlement information early. You will not be eligible to receive your refund up to 5 Days Early if (1) you take a Refund Advance loan, (2) IRS delays payment of your refund, or (3) your bank's policies do not allow for same-day payment processing. Up to 5 Days Early fee will be deducted directly from your refund prior to being deposited to your bank account. If your refund cannot be delivered at least 1 day early, you will not be charged the Up to 5 Days Early fee. Up to 5 Days Early program may change or be discontinued at any time.
**H&R Block Offer: Void if sold, purchased, or transferred and where prohibited. No cash value valid at participating U.S. offices only. A new client is an individual who did not use H&R Block or Block Advisors office services to prepare their 2024 tax return. Discount valid only with or for preparation of an original 2025 personal Income tax return. Coupon must be presented prior to completion of initial tax interview. Discount may not be combined with any other offer or promotion. Expires October 15, 2026. OBTP# 13696-BR ©2025 HRB Tax Group, Inc. All tax situations are different. Not everyone gets a refund. See hrblock.com/guarantees for complete details.
