‍

‍

The Complete 2026 Tax Filing Checklist (For 2025 Tax Year Returns Due in 2026)

‍

‍

Tax season is here! For the 2025 tax year, individual federal income tax returns are due April 15, 2026. The IRS officially opened the 2026 filing season on January 26, 2026.

‍

Whether you’re preparing your own return, planning with tax software, or working with a professional, being organized and thorough can help you avoid mistakes, maximize deductions and credits, and ensure you’re compliant with current tax laws.

‍

This 2026 tax filing checklist will guide you through the income documents, forms, deductions, credits, filing dates, and planning tips you need for a smooth and successful filing season.

‍

‍

‍

1. Filing Dates & Key Deadlines

‍

• IRS Filing Season Opens: January 26, 2026
• Deadline to File 2025 Returns: April 15, 2026
• Last Day to Pay Any Taxes Due Without Penalty: April 15, 2026
• Extension Deadline (if you file Form 4868): October 15, 2026

‍

Filing early helps reduce processing delays and lowers your risk of identity theft. Using e‑file with direct deposit is generally the fastest way to get a refund.

‍

‍

2. Personal & Household Information Checklist

‍

✔ Social Security Numbers (SSN) or Taxpayer Identification Numbers for you, your spouse, and any dependents
✔ Dates of birth for everyone on the return
✔ Current mailing address and contact info
✔ Bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit
✔ A copy of your 2024 tax return (for carry‑forwards, credits, and deductions year‑over‑year)

‍

‍

3. Income Documentation — What to Gather

‍

Every source of income must be reported on your tax return. Common forms include:

‍

Employment & Miscellaneous Income

‍
✔ Form W‑2
✔ Form 1099‑NEC
✔ Form 1099‑K
✔ Records of side gigs and cash income

‍

Investment & Retirement Income

‍
✔ 1099‑INT
✔ 1099‑DIV
✔ 1099‑B
✔ 1099‑R
✔ SSA‑1099

‍

Other Income Sources

‍
✔ 1099‑G
✔ Rental income statements
✔ Royalty income
✔ Alimony received (if applicable)

‍

‍

4. Standard Deduction vs. Itemized Deductions (2025 Tax Year)

‍

‍

Itemized Deductions

✔ Mortgage interest (Form 1098)
✔ State and local taxes (SALT) — up to applicable caps
✔ Charitable donations with receipts
✔ Unreimbursed medical and dental expenses (above AGI thresholds)

‍

5. Federal Income Tax Brackets for 2025

‍

‍

6. Tax Credits That Lower Your Tax Bill

✔ Child Tax Credit (CTC) — up to $2,200 per qualifying child
✔ Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
✔ Child and Dependent Care Credit
✔ Education Credits — American Opportunity / Lifetime Learning
✔ Saver’s Credit — retirement contributions
✔ Energy credits — qualifying home improvements

‍

7. Retirement Contributions & Reporting

✔ Contributions to Traditional IRAs and workplace plans
✔ Roth IRA withdrawals (if qualified)
✔ Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)

‍

8. Healthcare Coverage & Related Forms

‍

✔ Form 1095‑A — Marketplace coverage
✔ Form 1095‑B or 1095‑C — Employer or other coverage
✔ Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) records

‍

9. Other Important Forms & Schedules

‍

✔ Form 1098‑T — Tuition
✔ Form 1099‑C — Cancellation of debt
✔ Form 1099‑S — Real estate sale proceeds
✔ Schedule C, E, or F — Self-employment, rental, farm income
✔ Form 5329 — Additional taxes on retirement accounts

‍

10. Checklist Summary – Ready to File

‍

Personal & Household Info
☐ SSNs and birthdates
☐ Mailing address
☐ Bank routing for refunds

‍

Income Forms
☐ W‑2s
☐ 1099s (NEC, K, B, R, INT, DIV)
☐ SSA‑1099
☐ Other income documentation

‍

Deductions & Credits
☐ Standard deduction chosen or itemized worksheet
☐ Mortgage interest & SALT receipts
☐ Charity receipts
☐ Education & childcare costs
☐ Retirement contributions
☐ Energy & other credits

‍

Healthcare
☐ 1095 forms
☐ HSA/FSA documentation

‍

Other
☐ Misc. forms (1098‑T, 1099‑S/C)
☐ Schedules (C, E, F) if applicable
☐ Final review before e‑file or mail

‍

‍

Conclusion

‍

The 2026 tax filing season (tax year 2025 returns due April 15, 2026) is underway. By organizing your documents, understanding updated deductions and credits, and following this checklist, you’ll be ready to file with confidence and accuracy.

‍

‍

I hope this information was helpful! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us here. I’d be happy to chat with you. 

‍

Vincere Tax can help you with the tax implications of business taxes, stocks, bonds, ETFs, cryptocurrency, rental property income, and other investments. 

‍

Being audited is comparable to being struck by lightning. You don't want to practice pole vaulting in a thunderstorm just because it's unlikely. Making sure your books are accurate and your taxes are filed on time is one of the best ways to keep your head down during tax season. Check out Vincere's take on tax season!

‍

‍

Friends don’t let friends do their own taxes. Share this article! 

This post is just for informational purposes and is not meant to be legal, business, or tax advice. Regarding the matters discussed in this post, each individual should consult his or her own attorney, business advisor, or tax advisor. Vincere accepts no responsibility for actions taken in reliance on the information contained in this document.

‍