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What You Need to File a Successful Tax Return (2026)

To ensure accuracy, compliance, and timely filing, clients are required to provide complete and accurate documentation. Missing or incorrect information may delay filing or impact IRS compliance. The following checklist outlines what is needed to file your 2026 tax return successfully.

Our Services

1

📌 Required for ALL Tax Filers

  • You must provide:

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  • Valid government-issued photo ID

  • Social Security cards or ITIN letters for all individuals on the return

  • Prior year tax return (if available)

  • Current mailing address, phone number, and email

  • Bank account and routing number (for direct deposit or payment)

2

👨‍👩‍👧 Dependents (If Claiming Children or Other Dependents)

Provide:

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  • Full legal name and SSN

  • Date of birth

  • Proof of residency (school records, medical records, or lease)

  • Proof of support (you provided more than 50%)

  • Form 8332 (if applicable – divorced or separated parents)

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⚠️ Claiming dependents without proper documentation may result in IRS review or rejection.

3

💼 Income Documents (Choose What Applies)

  • Employment Income

  • W-2 forms from all employers

  • Self-Employed / Gig Workers

  • 1099-NEC / 1099-K / 1099-MISC

  • Income summaries (platform statements, bank deposits)

  • Business expense records

  • Mileage logs (if applicable)

  • Other Income

  • Unemployment (1099-G)

  • Social Security (SSA-1099)

  • Retirement income (1099-R)

  • Interest & dividends (1099-INT / 1099-DIV)

4

📊 Business Owners (Schedule C, LLC, or Partnership)

Required:

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  • Business income totals

  • Expense breakdown (rent, supplies, phone, internet, etc.)

  • Payroll records (if applicable)

  • 1099s issued to contractors

  • EIN confirmation

  • Bank Statements 

  • Prior year business return

5

🏠 Deductions & Credits (If Applicable)

Provide documentation for:

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  • Childcare expenses

  • Education expenses (1098-T)

  • Mortgage interest (1098)

  • Property taxes

  • Charitable contributions

  • Health insurance (1095-A/B/C if applicable)

6

⚖️ IRS Compliance & Due Diligence Notice

To comply with IRS regulations:

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  • All information must be truthful and verifiable

  • Clients are responsible for providing complete documentation

  • We do not estimate, guess, or fabricate information

  • Incomplete files may delay or prevent filing

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