Preparing for Tax Day
Use these tips to help you prepare for your appointment.
Required documents to keep on file:
- Copies of Drivers License or State IDs
- Social Security Cards
- Proof of Residence for dependents claiming EIC
Income documents:
- Income from jobs: forms W-2 for you and your spouse
- Investment income—various forms 1099 (-INT, -DIV, -B, etc.), K-1s, stock option information
- Income from state and local income tax refunds and/or unemployment: forms 1099-G
- Taxable alimony received
- Business or farming income—profit/loss statement, capital equipment information
- IRA/pension distributions—forms 1099-R, 8606
- Rental property income/expense—profit/Loss statement, rental property suspended loss information
- Social Security benefits—forms SSA-1099
- Income from sales of property—original cost and cost of improvements, escrow closing statement
- Other miscellaneous income—jury duty, gambling winnings, Medical Savings Account (MSA), scholarships, etc.
Other tax documents:
- IRA contributions
- Energy credits
- Student loan interest
- Self-employed health insurance payments
- Keogh, SEP, SIMPLE and other self-employed pension plans
- Alimony paid that is tax deductible
- Educator expenses
- State and local income taxes paid
- Real estate taxes paid
- Estimated tax payment made during the year, prior year refund applied to current year
Tax deduction documents:
- Child care costs—provider's name, address, tax id, and amount paid
- Education costs—forms 1098-T, education expenses
- Home mortgage interest and points you paid—Forms 1098
- Charitable donations—cash amounts and value of donated property, miles driven, and out-of-pocket expenses
- Medical and dental expenses
Check your refund status:
2026 Tax Brackets
The seven federal income tax rates for 2026 are 10% - 12% - 22% - 24% - 32% - 35% - 37% (no changes from 2025). The marginal income tax rate of 37% will apply to taxpayers with taxable income above $640,600 (single filers), and $768,700 for married couples filing jointly.
| Rate | Single | Married Filing Jointly | Head of Household |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | $0 to $12,400 | $0 to $24,800 | $0 to $17,700 |
| 12% | $12,401 to $50,400 | $24,801 to $100,800 | $17,701 to $67,450 |
| 22% | $50,401 to $105,700 | $100,801 to $211,400 | $67,451 to $105,700 |
| 24% | $105,701 to $201,775 | $211,401 to $403,550 | $105,701 to $201,775 |
| 32% | $201,776 to $256,225 | $403,551 to $512,450 | $201,776 to $256,200 |
| 35% | $256,226 to $640,600 | $512,451 to $768,700 | $256,201 to $640,600 |
| 37% | $640,601 or more | $768,701 or more | $640,601 or more |
2026 Standard Deduction
| Filing Status | Deduction Amount |
|---|---|
| Single | $16,100 |
| Married Filing Jointly | $32,200 |
| Head of Household | $24,150 |
| Married Seniors Additional | $1,650 |
| Unmarried Seniors Additional | $2,050 |
Tax Records Retention
When in doubt, don't throw it out
Federal law requires you to maintain copies of your tax returns and supporting documents for three years. However, if the IRS believes you have significantly underreported your income (by 25 percent or more), or believes there may be indication of fraud, it may go back six years in an audit.
Correspondence with Customers and Vendors, Duplicate Deposit Slips, Purchase Orders, Receiving Sheets, Requisitions
Employee Personnel Records (after termination), Employment Applications, Expired Insurance Policies, General Correspondence, Internal Audit Reports
Accident Reports, Accounts Payable/Receivable Ledgers, Bank Statements and Reconciliations, Cancelled Checks, Employment Tax Records, Payroll Records and Summaries
Audit Reports from CPAs/Accountants, Tax Returns and Worksheets, Financial Statements (Year End), Corporate Documents, Deeds, Retirement and Pension Records
Ready to get started?
Contact Sheri M. Rojo, CPA today to schedule your tax preparation appointment.
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