Unlock hundreds more features
Save your Form to the Dashboard
View and Export Results
Use AI to Create Forms and Analyse Results

Forgot Password?
Get Started
OR
Sign UpLogin With Facebook
Sign UpLogin With Google

Tax Return Checklist Form Template

Streamline Your Tax Preparation Process with This Essential Checklist

Navigating tax season can feel overwhelming, especially when you're unsure about what documents to prepare. This Tax Return Checklist Form Template is designed to help you confidently gather all necessary paperwork for your personal tax return, making the process smoother and less stressful. Use it to clarify required forms, simplify organization, and minimize the risk of missing crucial items, so you can focus on maximizing your deductions. Plus, it's a valuable tool for tax preparers to assist their clients. Try out the live template to see how it can make tax prep a breeze!

Use this Template (FREE) Live Preview
Full name
Email address
Which tax year is this for?
Current tax year
Prior year
Multiple years
Unsure
Expected filing status
Single
Married filing jointly
Married filing separately
Head of household
Qualifying surviving spouse
Unsure
Do you have a government-issued photo ID available?
Yes - valid
Yes - expired
No
Prefer not to say
Do you have your SSN or ITIN available?
Yes
No
Prefer not to say
Do you have dependents to claim this year?
Yes
No
Unsure
Which income documents do you have or expect to receive?
Did you have self-employment or gig income?
Yes
No
Unsure
Did you sell any investments or cryptocurrency?
Yes - stocks/bonds/funds
Yes - cryptocurrency
Yes - both
No
Unsure
Which deductions or credits may apply to you?
Health coverage documents for the tax year
Form 1095-A (Marketplace)
Form 1095-B or 1095-C only
Had coverage but no form
No health coverage
Unsure
Do you have a copy of last year's tax return?
Yes
No
Unsure
Did you make any estimated tax payments?
Yes - federal
Yes - state
Yes - both
No
Unsure
Do you have an IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN)?
Yes
No
Unsure
Current mailing address
Did you live in more than one state during the tax year?
Yes
No
Did you live outside the United States during any part of the tax year?
Yes
No
Unsure
Bank routing number (if choosing direct deposit)
Bank account number (if choosing direct deposit)
Refund preference
Direct deposit
Paper check
Apply refund to next year
Not expecting a refund
Unsure
How will you provide your documents?
Upload scanned PDFs
Upload photos of documents
In person
By mail
Secure portal link
Unsure
Additional notes (optional)
Document readiness
Yes - all documents ready
Mostly ready
Still collecting
Not started
I confirm the information provided is accurate to the best of my knowledge.
Strongly disagree
Disagree
Neither
Agree
Strongly agree
Electronic signature (type your full name)
Date signed
I consent to be contacted regarding my tax return.
Yes
No
{"name":"Full name", "url":"https://www.quiz-maker.com/QPREVIEW","txt":"Full name, Email address, Which tax year is this for?","img":"https://www.quiz-maker.com/3012/images/ogquiz.png"}
Paper art illustration depicting a tax return checklist form for an article about FormCreatorAI

When to use this form

Use this checklist before you start gathering documents or booking a prep appointment. It helps individuals, families, freelancers, and small business owners who had life changes or multiple income sources this year. You will list the forms and records you need (W-2s, 1099s, deductions, credits) so you do not miss items that delay your refund. Tax pros can send it a week before meetings to cut back-and-forth. Pair it with the Tax preparation client intake form to capture services and fees, the Tax information form to collect prior-year return details, and the Consent to disclose tax return form when a lender, spouse, or advisor needs information.

Must Ask Tax Return Checklist Questions

  1. Which income documents will you attach (W-2s, 1099-NEC, 1099-INT, 1099-DIV, 1099-B, K-1)?

    Listing every source ensures you report all income. It reduces IRS mismatch notices and prevents amended returns.

  2. Did your filing status or dependents change this year?

    Filing status and dependents affect your standard deduction, credits, and withholding. Confirming changes prevents lost benefits and e-file rejects.

  3. What are the legal names, dates of birth, and SSNs for you, your spouse, and dependents?

    These details must match IRS and SSA records to e-file without errors. Capture them securely using the Confidential information form.

  4. Which deductions and credits do you plan to claim (mortgage interest, property taxes, student loan interest, childcare, education, HSA, IRA)?

    Naming them points you to the exact statements and receipts you must gather. It also reveals missing forms early so you can request them before filing.

  5. Did you make estimated tax payments or apply a prior-year refund to this year?

    Recording amounts and dates helps you claim full credit and avoid underpayment penalties. It also prevents duplicate entries that could trigger notices.

More Forms

Copy/Edit Form Send to Recipients Make a Form w/AI Form Builder Must Ask Questions
  • 100% Free - No Catches
  • Collect Responses Today
  • Tailor to your Look & Feel