Document guides
What each tax document is, what to gather and how to send it. General education only.
Your W-2: what it is and what to sendA W-2 reports the pay and withholding from one employer. Here is how to gather every copy and check it is complete.2 minThe 1099 family: which forms you may receiveThe 1099 forms report income other than wages. This guide explains the common ones and how to keep them together.2 minMortgage statements and Form 1098New homeowners: which mortgage and property documents to collect, and why the closing paperwork matters.2 minTuition records and Form 1098-TStudents and families: how to gather education documents so your preparer can see what was paid and by whom.2 minBusiness profit and loss: what a clean P&L looks likeSmall-business owners: how to bring a profit and loss statement your preparer can use without a long list of follow-up questions.2 minYour prior-year return: why we ask for itLast year’s return gives your preparer context. Here is what to send and what to do if you do not have it.2 minTax letters and notices: how to handle the paperIf a tax letter arrives, this guide explains how to preserve it and pass it to your preparer. It does not interpret your letter.2 minHow to scan and upload documents securelyA practical routine for turning paper into readable scans, naming them, and sending them to the right place.2 min
Reviewed by Meridian Review Team. General education, not tax or legal advice.