As tax season approaches, many taxpayers are eager to file early to receive their refunds. However, before submitting your return, it’s crucial to ensure you have all the required forms. Filing an incomplete return can lead to delays, IRS scrutiny, or even an audit.
Why Accuracy Matters
When there’s a mismatch between what you report and what the IRS receives from third-party sources (such as employers or financial institutions), your return could be flagged for review. This could slow down your refund or lead to additional inquiries.
When to Expect Tax Forms
While most tax forms are issued in January, some—especially those related to investments—may take longer, sometimes arriving as late as mid-March.
Checklist of Key Tax Forms for 2024
Form | Purpose | Date Received |
1099-B | Investment sales and capital gains | Jan. to mid-Feb. |
1099-DIV | Dividends received | Jan. |
1099-INT | Interest over $10 | Jan. |
1099-OID | Original issue discount over $10 | Jan. |
1099-C | Cancellation of debt | Jan. |
1099-G | Unemployment income, state and local tax refunds | Jan. |
1099-K | Credit card payments for sharing economy income | Jan. |
1099-NEC | Self-employment income | Jan. to March |
1099-S | Proceeds from real estate transactions | Mid-Feb. |
1099-Q | Payments from qualified education programs | Jan. |
1099-MISC | Rents, royalties and other income | Jan. |
1099-R | Distribution from retirement plan or IRA | Jan. |
1099-SA | Health savings account distributions | Jan. to mid-Feb. |
1095-A | Health insurance marketplace | Jan. |
K-1 | Partner/S Corporation shareholder's share of income, deductions, and credits | Business filing date |
SSA-1099 | Social Security income | Jan. |
W-2 | Wage and tax statement | Jan. |
W2-G | Gambling winnings | Jan. |
Forms for Deductions & Credits
Form | Purpose | Date Received |
1098 | Mortgage interest | Jan. |
1098-E | Student loan interest paid over $600 | Jan. |
1098-T | Tuition and education costs | Jan. |
Annual giving statement | Size and timing of your charitable gift | Jan. |
Childcare expenses | Amount paid to childcare provider | Ask care provider |
Property tax statement | Property taxes owed | Late 2024 to early Jan. |
Final Tips for a Smooth Filing
Make a checklist of the forms you need before filing.
If you’re missing a form, contact the issuer (your employer, bank, or investment firm).
Double-check all entries to avoid IRS processing delays.
Need Help Filing Your Taxes?
At Ricky Chawla CPA Professional Corporation, we help individuals and small businesses maximize deductions, stay compliant, and file with confidence.
Contact us If you have any Inquiries
416 - 414 - 8139
Source: American Institute of CPAs (via CNBC)