A little tax preparation before 2026 arrives is the best present you can give your future self if you live in the Bronx. What really slows things down when a tax accountant finally sits down with you isn’t the law — it’s missing paperwork. Let’s go over the Bronx tax filing documents that you should begin gathering right away so that the Bronx’s 2026 tax preparation feels organized rather than disorganized.
You will be asked for your ID and personal information.
Start with the necessities that you will always need:
- Photo ID
Photo ID from the government for you and your spouse, if you are filing jointly. - Social Security / ITIN details
Social Security numbers or ITINs and birth dates for everyone on the return: you, spouse, kids, other dependents. - Last year’s tax returns
Keep last year’s federal and New York State returns handy. You’ll need your prior-year adjusted gross income (AGI) or your Self-Select PIN to sign an e-filed return, and that’s the easiest place to find it. - Identity Protection PIN (if any)
If you’ve ever had an Identity Protection PIN from the IRS, drop that in the folder as well.
Income forms: the stuff that shows what you earned
Next, build a pile with every form that shows money coming in:
- W-2s from each job.
- 1099-INT and 1099-DIV for interest and dividends.
- 1099-NEC or 1099-MISC if you do freelance, gig, or side work.
- 1099-G for unemployment benefits.
- SSA-1099 for Social Security, 1099-R for pensions or retirement plan withdrawals.
For anyone dealing with crypto or other digital assets, start a small envelope or folder now with your transaction records. The IRS is specifically reminding people to keep track of digital asset activity for the 2026 filing season.
If you’re self-employed, this is where many people fall behind. You’ll want:
- A simple income/expense log.
- Paid invoices and remitted check copies.
- Credit card statements and bank statements tied to the business.
NYC’s own tax prep checklist is blunt about it: “raw estimates are not acceptable.”
Deductions, credits, and New York–specific records
This is the part that can save you real money, but only if you keep proof. Gather:
- Form 1098 for mortgage interest, and property tax statements if you own.
- Rent receipts or statements if you’re a renter (helpful for some local programs and for your records).
- Childcare records: provider name, address, and their EIN or SSN, plus how much you paid.
- Tuition and education forms (1098-T), student loan interest (1098-E).
- Receipts or bank records for charitable donations and major medical bills if you might itemize.
Remember, as a New York State resident in NYC, you’re handling federal, state, and New York City personal income tax at the same time, all through the state system. New York also suggests you keep returns and supporting documents for at least three years, so don’t toss anything once you’ve filed.
Banking details and a little help from a pro
Last piece: money going out or coming back.
If this list of documents for taxes early filing feels like a lot, that’s exactly where tax accounting professionals come in. A local tax accountant who understands Bronx life and New York rules can look over your stack of papers, tell you what’s missing, and help you claim credits you might not know about.
Bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit. The IRS is phasing out most paper refund checks, so having this ready is important.
If you use a prepaid card or digital wallet, confirm the correct routing and account numbers with your provider and jot them down.
You can also set up an IRS Online Account to pull transcripts, see old balances, and sometimes access W-2 and 1099 info that was sent to the IRS. It’s handy when a form goes missing under the couch.
Let SCL Tax Services Make 2026 Tax Prep Easier
At SCL Tax Services, for example, clients walk in with a shoebox, a folder, or sometimes just a phone full of photos, and the pros help turn that chaos into a complete 2026 return. If you start pulling these Bronx tax filing documents together now, your 2026 tax preparation Bronx meeting will be shorter, less stressful, and much more likely to end with you walking out saying, “That wasn’t so bad.”
Meet Your Tax Professionals
Not just tax experts — a trusted team serving Bronx, NY, with clarity and compassion.
Read More >What documents do I need to file my 2026 taxes in the Bronx?
You’ll want a government photo ID, Social Security numbers or ITINs and birth dates for everyone on the return, last year’s federal and New York State returns, and any Identity Protection PIN from the IRS. Then add all income forms (W-2s, 1099s, etc.), deduction records, and your banking details for direct deposit. These are the core Bronx tax filing documents you should start collecting now.
Do I really need last year’s tax return to file for 2026?
Technically you can file without it, but it makes things much easier. Your 2025 return shows your prior-year adjusted gross income (AGI) or Self-Select PIN, which you need to sign an e-filed return. It also gives your tax accountant a quick snapshot of your situation.
I’m self-employed in the Bronx—what records should I keep for taxes?
Keep a simple income and expense log, copies of invoices, and proof of payments you’ve received. Save bank and credit card statements tied to the business, along with receipts for supplies, travel, and other costs. For self-employed taxpayers, “raw estimates” are not enough if the IRS or New York asks questions.
How long should I keep my tax records?
New York generally recommends keeping your returns and supporting documents for at least three years. Many professionals suggest holding onto key records even longer, especially if they relate to property, investments, or a business. A simple labeled folder or box for each year works well.