'Tis the season of fresh starts, renewed hope, and (unfortunately) taxes. If fiscal responsibility is one of your 2026 goals, now is the time to prepare for tax season. So, as April 15 approaches, set yourself up for success by setting aside a folder for all the paperwork and forms that will be coming in-either electronically or through the mail.
Here’s a simple checklist of forms and tax considerations to watch out for before you file:
- W-2 forms from your employer(s)
- 1099 forms for any freelance work or gig income
- Forms from your credit union or bank that show interest and dividend income (forms 1099-INT, 1099-OID or 1099-DIV)
- Form 1099-R for income and disbursements from annuities, pensions, and individual retirement accounts
- Records of any estimated tax payments you made during the year
- Form 1040-ES that details any estimated tax payments you made
- Form 1098, which shows the mortgage interest you paid
- Form 1099-G that shows any unemployment payments you received
- Form SSA-1099, which includes all Social Security income you received
- Any IRS notices related to prior-year tax credits or payments, if applicable
Not every individual will receive every form on this list, but it’s good to plan ahead to watch for these important documents as they come in. Being prepared (and keeping them all in one place) can set you up for a stress-free tax season.
Looking for tax help? Maps members are eligible for some stellar member discounts on tax prep services from Turbo Tax and H&R Block. If you prefer to process your returns online, TurboTax has all the tools to walk you through the process AND, you can save up to 20% on your 2025/2026 return. If you would rather meet with a tax professional, make an appointment with H&R Block and you can save up to $25 on their in-office tax prep services.