The Tax Documents Retirees Should Gather Before Filing

In retirement, your income often comes from several places instead of one paycheck. Each source sends its own tax form, and a missing one can mean a delay or a letter from the IRS. A checklist makes tax time calmer.

Key takeaways

• Expect more forms than when you were working
• Many forms arrive in January, but some come later
• Compare each form against your own records
• Keep copies of what you file

Income forms

• SSA-1099: Social Security sends this to show the benefits you received. Part of your benefit may be taxable depending on your other income.
• 1099-R: Reports withdrawals from IRAs, 401(k) plans, pensions and annuities. The box codes on the form matter, so look at them closely.
• 1099-INT and 1099-DIV: Report interest and dividends from banks and brokerage accounts.
• 1099-B or a composite 1099: Reports sales of stocks, funds and other investments.
• 1099-NEC or 1099-MISC: Report income from part-time work or consulting.

Health and medical forms

• 1099-SA: Reports withdrawals from a Health Savings Account.
• 5498-SA: Reports HSA contributions.
• Medical receipts: If you itemize, keep records of medical costs, including premiums you paid yourself.

Other records worth finding

• Last year's tax return. It helps you check carryovers and compare income year to year.
• Property tax and mortgage interest statements, if you itemize.
• Records of charitable gifts, including written acknowledgments from the charity.
• Basis records for investments you sold, if your brokerage did not report them.

• SSA-1099 for each spouse
• 1099-R for every retirement account and pension
• 1099-INT and 1099-DIV from banks and brokerages
• Investment sale statements
• HSA forms, if you have an account
• Last year's tax return
• Records for deductions you plan to claim

Tips for a smoother filing

1. Wait for all your forms before you file. Brokerages sometimes send corrected forms later.
2. Check the names, Social Security numbers and amounts on each form.
3. Keep a folder, on paper or on your computer, for the year as the forms arrive.
4. If a form is missing, contact the sender early.

Sources and references

• IRS: Forms and instructions (opens in a new tab)
• IRS: Publication 590-B, Distributions from IRAs (opens in a new tab)
• Social Security: Form SSA-1099 (opens in a new tab)

This article is general information, not tax or investment advice for your situation. Tax rules change each year. Talk with a qualified professional before making decisions.