Tax Tip 2024-79: Extension filers: Gather all tax info before filing

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Issue Number: Tax Tip 2024-79

Extension filers: Gather all tax info before filing

The deadline for taxpayers with an extension to file is around the corner – on Tuesday, Oct. 15. It’s important for taxpayers to gather all their records and get copies of any missing documents before they sit down to prepare their return, whether they are filing on their own or working with a professional tax preparer. This helps them file a complete and accurate tax return.

What documents to gather
Here’s the information taxpayers may need. Not all information applies to all taxpayers.

• Social Security numbers of everyone listed on the tax return. 
• Bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit or information to make a tax payment.
• Forms W-2 from employer(s).
• Forms 1099 from banks, issuing agencies and other payers covering such payments as unemployment compensation, dividends and distributions from a pension, annuity or retirement plan.
• Form 1099-K or 1099-MISC or other income statement for workers in the gig economy.
• Form 1099-INT for interest received.
• Other income documents and records of virtual currency transactions.
• Form 1095-A, Health Insurance Marketplace Statement.
• Information to support claiming other credits or deductions such as receipts for child or dependent care, college expenses or donations.

Missing documents: What taxpayers should do
To request a missing W-2 or Form 1099, taxpayers should contact the employer, payer or issuing agency. This also applies for taxpayers who received an incorrect W-2 or Form 1099.

If they still can’t get the forms, taxpayers can complete Form 4852, Substitute for Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement or Form 1099-R, Distributions From Pensions, Annuities, Retirement or Profit-Sharing Plans, IRAs, Insurance Contracts, Etc. If a taxpayer doesn’t receive the missing or correct form in time to file their tax return, they can estimate the wages or payments made to them and any taxes withheld. They can use Form 4852 to report this information on their federal tax return.

Find an authorized e-file provider
For help finding a tax professional who e-files, taxpayers can use the Authorized IRS e-File Provider Locator Service. This is a nationwide listing of all businesses that the IRS has authorized as an IRS e-file provider. They’re qualified to prepare, transmit and process e-filed returns.

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