Filing Season Opens and 7 Documents to Gather
Tax season is here. The IRS opens e-filing for 2025 returns on January 26, 2026.
1: To avoid delays, start a simple document stack today. Here are the top 7 items most clients need:
· W-2s and/or 1099s (interest, dividends, retirement, unemployment)
· Social Security (SSA-1099) if you receive benefits
· 1099-Rs for pensions/IRAs/annuities
· Mortgage interest statement (Form 1098) if you own a home
· Property tax receipts (or your escrow year-end statement)
· Charitable contributions (cash + noncash)
· Direct deposit info (routing + account number)
2: Refunds: Paper Checks Being Phased Out — Choose Direct Deposit
Important refund update: paper refund checks are being phased out. If you usually receive a check, this is a good time to switch to direct deposit.
Why it matters: direct deposit is faster and significantly reduces the risk of refunds being lost, delayed, or stolen.
To set up direct deposit, you’ll need your routing number and account number. If you don’t have a traditional bank account, ask us about practical options for receiving funds safely.
3: New Schedule 1-A: Why the IRS Added It (and What to Expect)
You may hear about a new IRS form this year: Schedule 1-A.
It’s used to claim certain new and enhanced deductions tied to recent law changes. Practically, it means we may ask a few extra questions and request specific documentation depending on your situation.
What you can do now: keep pay stubs (especially if you work overtime), keep records for any qualifying items, and don’t assume a deduction applies without confirming eligibility.
Need a clean, easy intake process? Use our secure portal to upload documents and keep everything in one place: https://app.financial-cents.com/cp/re-donica-associates
