What You Need to Have Your Taxes Prepared

Your spouse. If you are filing a joint return, your spouse must be present at your appointment.
Photo ID issued by the state or federal government for yourself (and your spouse if you are filing jointly).
Social Security card (original or copy) or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN) determination letters (original, copy or electronic document) and birth dates for yourself, your spouse and everyone to be claimed on your tax return.
Form W-2 (wages from each job in 2025)
Form W-2G (gambling winnings)
Form 1099-B (income from the sale of stocks, bonds or other assets)
Form 1099-C (cancellation of debt)
Form 1099-DIV (dividends)
Form 1099-G (if you received unemployment insurance at any point in 2025)
Form 1099-INT (bank account interest)
Form 1099-K (deposits and earnings)
Form 1099-MISC (miscellaneous income) Note: Call your tax prep location beforehand to make sure they file these returns.
Form 1099-R (pension income)
Form SSA-1099 (Social Security benefits)
Form 1098 (real estate taxes and/or mortgage interest)
Form 1098-E (interest paid on student loans)
Form 1098-T (if you paid tuition for post-high school education)
Form 1095-A (if you were enrolled in a qualified health plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace in 2025)
To claim child-care expenses, provide the total amount you paid in 2025 and the child-care agency’s tax employer identification number (EIN) or the child-care provider’s name and Social Security number
Bank account and routing numbers if you want to use direct deposit
Amounts of any other income from your records (jury duty fees, cash earnings, etc.)
A copy of last year’s federal and state tax returns, if available.

What’s New for Tax Season 2026

The IRS is phasing out paper checks. New York State refunds will still be available by direct deposit and paper check. Filers are strongly encouraged to use direct deposit to receive their federal and state refunds or risk significant delays in receiving their federal refund. If you need assistance with opening a bank account, please visit a free NYC Financial Empowerment Center, where a counselor can help you open a safe and affordable bank account if you don’t have one. To book an appointment, visit nyc.gov/TalkMoney or call 311.
Child Tax Credit changes. Starting with tax year 2025, at least one parent must have a Social Security number in order to claim the Child Tax Credit. In previous years, only the child was required to have a Social Security number to claim the credit.

From the NYC Department of Consumer Affairs’ Free Tax Prep Program, here is a list of documents you may need when filing your taxes.