Tax season is here, and whether you love spreadsheets or avoid them at all costs, being prepared makes a huge difference. A simple tax season checklist can help you file faster, avoid mistakes, and reduce last-minute stress.

Before you sit down to file, here’s what you should have ready.

1. Gather All Your Income Documents

Start by collecting anything that shows how much money you made this year. This may include:

• W-2s from employers
• 1099 forms for freelance or contract work
• Bank or investment statements
• Records from side hustles or online sales

2. Organize Deductible Expenses

If you want to lower your tax bill, deductions matter. Make sure you have receipts or records for:

• Business or freelance expenses
• Education costs
• Medical expenses (if applicable)
• Charitable donations

Keeping everything in one place now saves time later.

3. Check Tax Credits You May Qualify For

Tax credits directly reduce the amount of tax you owe. Some common ones include:

• Child or dependent credits
• Education credits
• Energy-efficient home improvement credits

Even one missed credit can mean leaving money on the table.

4. Review Your Personal Information

Before filing, double-check the basics:

• Name and Social Security number
• Address and contact details
• Dependents and filing status

Small errors can cause big delays with refunds.

5. Decide How You’ll File

Figure out your game plan early:

• Filing yourself with tax software
• Working with a tax professional
• Filing early vs. waiting until the deadline

Choosing ahead of time helps you avoid last-minute panic.

6. Set Aside Time to File

Block off time on your calendar and, if needed, set aside funds in case you owe taxes. Filing early gives you more flexibility and peace of mind.

A little preparation goes a long way. Using a tax preparation checklist before filing taxes can save you time, reduce errors, and make tax season feel a lot more manageable.

Check out the Tax Season Checklist below and check things off as you go.