1. Round up your Social Security numbers for your claims for dependents and other related tax credits.
2. Gather all salary-related documents including pertinent IRS forms such as W-2 and 1099-MISC. For the self-employed, collect all receipts and other business-related documents.
3. Report all unearned revenues. Fill out all related forms such as 1099-DIV, 1099-INT and 1099-B.
4. Organize your home-related tax credits. Prepare the details of your mortgage interests and real property tax payments.
5. Don’t forget to itemize your charitable contributions. Be sure they are supported with receipts.
Filing the 1040 is easy when you have all needed supporting documents organized. The IRS will start accepting tax returns by January 31.