What tax documents should I have on hand?

Getting organized early can make tax season faster, easier, and less stressful. Whether you file yourself or work with a professional, having the right forms and records on hand helps you avoid delays and ensures you claim the deductions and credits you’re entitled to. Use this guide to know which documents to collect, how long to keep them, and other tips for staying organized this tax season. 

Income Documents

These forms report the income you earned during the year and are essential for completing your tax return.

• W‑2 (employee wages)
• 1099‑NEC / 1099‑MISC (freelance or contract work)
• 1099‑K (payments card companies & apps, online marketplaces)
• 1099‑INT (bank interest)
• 1099‑DIV (dividends and distributions)
• Brokerage account statements (gains, losses, dividends)

Tip: If you worked multiple jobs or had several income sources, you may receive forms from each. Wait until you’ve gathered them all before filing.

 

Deductions & Credits

These documents help determine which expenses may reduce your taxes or qualify you for credits.

• 1098 (mortgage interest)
• Property tax receipts
• Charitable donation receipts
• Childcare provider statements
• Education forms:
  • 1098‑T (tuition)
  • 1098‑E (student loan interest)
• Energy-efficient home improvement receipts (if claiming credits)

Keep itemized receipts for large charitable contributions or deductible expenses.

 

Health & Insurance

• 1095‑A (Marketplace coverage; required to file)
• 1095‑B / 1095‑C (insurance coverage info; not required to file but good to keep)

 

Retirement & Investment Accounts

• 5498 (IRA contributions; arrives in May but useful for records)
• 1099‑R (retirement withdrawals or rollovers)
• HSA/FSA receipts for qualified medical expenses

 

Business & Gig Work

If you're self-employed or earn side income, documentation is especially important.

• Expense receipts & invoices
• Mileage logs
• Home office records (if applicable)
• Equipment or supply purchases

Consistent, detailed records help ensure an accurate return and smoother audit process if needed.

 

Other Helpful Information

• Social Security Numbers for you and dependents
• Last year’s tax return
• Direct deposit information for refunds
• Any notices received from the IRS or state agencies

How long should I keep tax documents, and how should I organize them?

Keeping documents organized and accessible is just as important as collecting them.

• 3 years for standard tax records (IRS limitation period)
• 7 years for records related to claims of bad debt or underreported income
• Indefinitely for asset purchase records (home improvements, investments) and retirement basis documents

Tips for Staying Organized

• Create a digital folder for this year’s tax documents
• Save PDFs of any online statements or forms
• Keep a running checklist as forms arrive
• File early to reduce fraud risk and avoid last-minute stress

---

Need tax documents from Hills Bank? We can help.

If you need interest statements, account records, or other banking documents for your tax filing, our team is happy to send them to you directly.

You can stop by an office near you, call us at 1-800-445-5725, or chat with us using the bubble below. We’ll securely provide the documents you need.