The first piece of information you’ll need to prepare your tax return is the total income you earned during the year. Any employer that pays your salary must send you a W-2 by January 31, which reports your annual income and tax withheld. Independent contractors typically receive income reports on Form 1099-MISC.

· W-2s from your employers

· 1099-MISC forms for self-employment income

· 1099-INT (interest) and 1099-DIV (dividends) forms

· 1099-B forms showing brokerage trades in stocks and bonds

· K-1 forms for income from a partnership, small business, or trust

· 1099-SSA form showing Social Security received