When filing your federal taxes using Form 1040, there are several important documents that you may need to attach or include. These documents vary depending on your individual circumstances and the deductions or credits you want to claim. Here are some common documents you might need to attach:
1. W-2 Forms: Attach copies of all the W-2 forms you received from your employers, which report your earnings, withholding taxes, and other relevant information.
2. 1099 Forms: Attach copies of any 1099 forms you received, such as 1099-MISC for freelance or self-employment income, 1099-INT for interest income, or 1099-DIV for dividend income.
3. Schedule A (Itemized Deductions): If you choose to itemize your deductions instead of taking the standard deduction, you may need to attach Schedule A along with supporting documentation. This may include receipts for medical expenses, property taxes, mortgage interest, charitable contributions, and other eligible expenses.
4. Schedule C (Profit or Loss from Business): If you operated a business as a sole proprietor, you'll need to attach Schedule C, which summarizes your income and expenses related to the business.
5. Form 1098: If you paid mortgage interest, you'll need to attach Form 1098 from your mortgage lender.
6. Form 1095-A, 1095-B, or 1095-C: If you had health insurance coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA), attach the appropriate form that verifies your coverage.
7. Form 8862: If the IRS previously disallowed a tax credit and you're claiming it again, attach this form to support your eligibility.
8. Additional Forms or Schedules: Depending on your circumstances, you may need to attach other forms or schedules related to specific deductions, credits, or income sources. For example, if you have foreign financial assets, you may need to attach Form 8938.
It's important to note that not all individuals and situations require these attachments. In some cases, you may just need to reference these documents when filling out your tax return, but not actually attach them. Remember to consult the IRS instructions or seek professional tax advice to determine the exact documents you need for your specific circumstances.