The First Step of Tax Preparation
- P. Seely
- Feb 5
- 2 min read
Taxpayers should start gathering and organizing records to get ready for filing their 2024 federal tax return. They need all year-end income documents to help ensure they file a complete and accurate 2024 federal tax return and avoid refund delays.
The Get Ready page on IRS.gov offers practical tips and resources to help taxpayers prepare. It highlights key updates and important steps for making tax filing easier in 2025.
Documents Needed for Tax Preparation
Taxpayers should have all necessary records handy, such as W-2s, 1099s, receipts, canceled checks and other documents that support any income, deductions or credits reported on their tax return.
Most taxpayers should receive income documents including:
Forms W-2, Wage and Tax Statement.
Form 1099-MISC, Miscellaneous Income.
Form 1099-INT, Interest Income.
Form 1099-NEC, Nonemployee Compensation.
Form 1099-G, Certain Government Payments – such as unemployment compensation or state tax refund.
Form 1095-A, Health Insurance Marketplace Statements.
IRS Online Account
An IRS Online Account makes it easy for taxpayers to quickly get the tax planning info they need. With an IRS Online Account, they can:
View key details from their most recent tax return, such as adjusted gross income.
Request an Identity Protection PIN.
Get account transcripts to include wage and income records.
Sign tax forms like powers of attorney or tax information authorizations.
View and edit language preferences and alternative media.
Receive and view notices and letters.
View, make and cancel payments.
People should visit How to Register for Certain Online Self-Help Tools for more information about how to create an IRS Online Account or how to reset the username or password.
More information:
File for free with IRS Free File
IRS Free File lets qualified taxpayers get free tax preparation, free electronic filing and free direct deposit of their federal tax refund, if they’re owed one, using guided tax preparation software. Those who don’t qualify can still use Free Fillable Forms.
The IRS Free File adjusted gross income limit for tax year 2024 is $84,000 for families and individuals. A taxpayer’s AGI includes wages, tips, business income, retirement income and other forms of taxable income. Each provider sets its own eligibility rules based on age, state residency and income, and offers are available in English and Spanish. To find an offer right for them, taxpayers can use the Find Your Trusted Partner tool.
QuickBooks Online Live Instructor Training
Whether you are a tax professional or not, QuickBooks Online is the leading small-business accounting application in the U.S. If you need help, and are looking for someone you can ask questions, check out our monthly schedule for a two-day, instructor lead training conducted by a QuickBooks ProAdvisor.
We also offer one-on-one consultations for QuickBooks Online subscriptions or troubleshooting for our clients. To schedule a free, no obligation consultation, click here.
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