First thing's first: turn on our Tax Time playlist to set the mood that you can frickin' do this. Next, locate all your tax documents. Depending on how you generate income, you'll work with any number of the following forms that can be found in your mailbox, email, or online accounts:
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W-2: reports salary and tax contributions from part- or full-time work
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1099-MISC: reports income earned from freelance work or your side hustle
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1099-DIV: reports dividends and distributions from investments
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1099-INT: reports bank interest
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1098-T: reports tuition payments
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1098-E: reports student loan interest payments
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1095-A: record of qualifying Healthcare.gov coverage
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Expenses and Receipts: supports itemized deductions
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Bank Account Routing Number: to set up direct deposit for your tax refund