Tax Season Is Here: What You Should Be Gathering and Looking For

Tax season has a way of arriving whether you feel ready or not, and once it does, it tends to move quickly. Once January turns into February, deadlines start to feel closer, questions pile up, and missing paperwork suddenly becomes stressful. The good news is that a little preparation now can make the entire process smoother, faster, and far less frustrating.

Whether you file as an individual, run a small business, or do a mix of both, gathering the right documents early helps avoid delays, reduce errors, and prevent last-minute surprises. Here is a practical guide to what you should be pulling together and reviewing before your tax appointment.

Personal Information to Confirm First

Before diving into income and deductions, start with the basics. These details seem simple, but small errors can slow down processing or delay refunds.

Before your appointment or filing deadline, make sure you have:

• Social Security numbers for yourself, your spouse, and dependents

• Dates of birth for all dependents

• A copy of last year’s tax return, if available

• Your current address and contact information

If anything has changed since last year, such as a marriage, divorce, new child, or address change, flag it early. Life changes often affect filing status, credits, and deductions.

Income Documents to Gather

Income reporting is one of the most common places where mistakes happen, especially when documents arrive at different times or from multiple sources.

Look for:

• W-2 forms from employers

• 1099-NEC or 1099-MISC forms for freelance or contract work

• 1099-INT and 1099-DIV for bank interest and investments

• 1099-B for investment sales

• K-1 forms from partnerships or S corporations

• Social Security (SSA-1099) or pension income statements

Even if you did not receive a form, income is still reportable. Bank deposits, side gigs, or digital payments may still need to be included. For example, a missing 1099 from freelance or gig work can delay filing or trigger questions later if it is not handled correctly.

Homeownership and Property Tax Records

For New York homeowners, especially those on Long Island, these documents matter more than ever.

Gather:

• Property tax statements

• Mortgage interest statements (Form 1098)

• Records of real estate tax payments

• Information on refinances or home equity loans

If you bought or sold a home during the year, bring closing statements. Those transactions can affect deductions, capital gains, and reporting requirements.

Deduction and Credit Documentation

Deductions and credits reduce what you owe, but only if they are documented properly.

You may need:

• Records of charitable donations

• Medical expense summaries

• Childcare and dependent care expense records

• Education expenses (Forms 1098-T)

• Energy efficiency or home improvement receipts

Good documentation makes it easier to determine whether itemizing or taking the standard deduction makes the most sense.

Small Business and Self-Employed Records

If you are self-employed or own a business, organization is especially important at tax time.

Bring:

• Income summaries or profit and loss statements

• Business expense records - Mileage logs or vehicle expense details

• Payroll records

• Sales tax filings, if applicable

• Estimated tax payment records

Clean records help reduce the risk of errors and missed deductions, and they make planning conversations more productive.

Estimated Payments and Prior Notices

If you made estimated tax payments during the year, make sure those amounts are documented.

Also include:

• Copies of any IRS or New York State notices

• Payment confirmations or account transcripts, if available

Ignoring notices or assuming they were resolved can cause issues later.

What to Look for Before You File

As you gather documents, take a moment to review them.

Check for:

• Incorrect Social Security numbers or names

• Missing income forms

• Duplicate forms

• Obvious discrepancies between records

Catching issues early allows time to request corrections before filing.

Start Early, Stress Less

Tax season does not have to be overwhelming if you approach it with a plan. Starting early gives you more options, more time to ask questions, and a better chance to file accurately.

Gregg Jaffe Tax Services works with individuals and businesses across Plainview and Long Island to make tax season clear and manageable. When you prepare early, filing becomes less about stress and more about accuracy and confidence. Whether your return is simple or complex, preparation makes all the difference.

Phone: 516-770-5305

Contact Form: Get in Touch

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I am missing a tax document?

If a form is delayed or missing, do not guess. A tax professional can help determine next steps, including whether to wait, estimate, or request a corrected form.

Do I need to bring receipts for everything?

Not always, but having summaries and key documentation helps support deductions and reduces questions later.

When should I schedule my tax appointment?

The earlier, the better. Early appointments allow more flexibility and reduce last-minute pressure.