The Nstein tax desk
What to Bring to Your Tax Preparer for 2026
A practical 2026 tax document checklist for families and small-business owners preparing to file in 2027.
Gather first, then share securely
Create a folder for your 2026 records. Keep a list of missing statements and tell your preparer what is still outstanding. Do not send Social Security numbers or documents through the public contact form.
Household and prior-year records
- Last year's federal and state returns.
- Identification and dependent information, provided only through a secure method.
- Changes in address, marital status, custody, or dependent support.
- IRS or state notices and identity-protection PIN information, if applicable.
Every income source
- W-2s, 1099s, K-1s, and retirement or Social Security statements.
- Interest, dividends, investment sales, and cost-basis records.
- Business income, expenses, refunds, and payment-platform reports.
- Rental, stipend, scholarship, and other payment records for review.
Expenses and payments
Gather childcare provider information, education statements, mortgage and property-tax records, charitable acknowledgments, health-insurance forms, and estimated-tax payment confirmations. Keep personal and business expenses separate.
Do not guess at a missing form
Tell your preparer which statements are expected and when. A complete review is more useful than rushing a return that needs correction. See the filing-season calendar and individual preparation service.