Use this page to help you understand and locate certain tax documents.
Social Security Card / Tax ID Number
Your tax return must include a Social Security number for yourself, your spouse (if filing jointly), and your tax dependents to file electronically. If anyone in your household does not have a SSN, they may use their unexpired Individual Tax ID Number (ITIN) or Adoption Tax ID Number (ATIN).
Why it is important: The IRS will reject your return if the Social Security number or tax ID number on your return does not match the IRS’s records. The IRS will also reject your return if your name is misspelled according to the Social Security Administration’s records.
Special note: In certain circumstances, our sites may complete a return for you if you are considered a US resident and want to apply for an ITIN. However, you will need to file your return by mail in this case. The IRS takes much longer to process a mailed return than to process an e-filed return.
What to bring: Bring Social Security cards for yourself, your spouse (if filing jointly), and all your tax dependents. We also accept Form SSA-1099 as proof of a Social Security number. Alternatively, bring the IRS letter that assigned an ITIN or ATIN.
Where to look: If you lost your Social Security card, you may request a new one from the Social Security Administration.
Form W-2
What it is: Employers issue a Form W-2 when an employee earns $600 or more during the year.
When to look: Employers are required to issue Form W-2 by January 31.
Where to look: Check for your W-2 in the mail or in your employee portal online. Your W-2 may look like one of these examples.
1099 Forms
What they are: There are many types of 1099 forms. They report unemployment compensation, interest, dividends, stock sales, cancelled debt, and other income.
Special instructions: If you have several types of income from a bank or investment firm, your 1099 forms may come together in a large packet. This is called a “consolidated 1099 statement.” Bring the entire packet to your tax appointment.
When to look: Generally, financial institutions have until February 15 to send your 1099 forms to you. However, some may send them in early March.
Where to look: Check for your 1099 forms in the mail. Also check your online portal on your bank or investment firm’s website.
Form 1095-A
What it is: Form 1095-A is for taxpayers who purchased health insurance through Healthcare.gov.
Why it’s important: The IRS will reject your return if you, your spouse (if filing jointly), or ANY of your tax dependents were covered on a Marketplace plan and your return does not include a Form 1095-A.
Where to look: The Marketplace sends Form 1095-A by mid-February. Check for a 1095-A in the mail or on your Healthcare.gov account.
Form 1098-T
What it is: Form 1098-T is for students who paid tuition to a college or university.
Why it’s important: Based on your family’s situation, you may be eligible for a tax credit if you receive a Form 1098-T.
Where to look: Schools send Form 1098-T to students by January 31. Check for a 1098-T in the mail or in your student financial portal online.
Identity Protection PIN
What it is: The IRS issues Identity Protection PINs to taxpayers who want to prevent unauthorized people from filing a return on their behalf.
Why it’s important: The IRS will reject your return if they issued an IP PIN to you and you don’t include it.
Where to look: Look for the letter the IRS sent you about the IP PIN, or retrieve it on the IRS website.
