5 Simple Steps to Retrieve Your Last Year’s Tax Information

5 Simple Steps to Retrieve Your Last Year’s Tax Information

With the tax season coming up, it’s essential to have all of your tax information ready, especially from the previous year. Many people find it cumbersome and time-consuming to retrieve this information. However, with the following five easy steps, you can retrieve your last year’s tax information without any trouble.

Step 1: Check Your Email

The first step is to check your email inbox. If you’re like most people, you’ll have received emails from your employer, financial institutions, and tax professionals containing important tax documents such as your W-2, 1099 and other statements. It’s essential to ensure that you have access to these documents and that they’re complete and accurate.

Step 2: Contact Your Employer

If you didn’t receive a W-2 from your employer, contact them immediately. Your employer should have provided you with a W-2 by the end of January, so if you haven’t received it, make sure to reach out to them. Alternatively, if you’ve lost your W-2, ask your employer to send you a copy.

Step 3: Contact Your Financial Institutions

If you have investments, bank accounts, or other financial accounts, it’s crucial to have your Form 1099s and other statements from these institutions. If you haven’t received these documents, contact your financial institutions and request a copy.

Step 4: Retrieve Your Tax Return Transcript

If you filed your taxes last year, you can retrieve your tax return transcript online or by mail from the IRS. The tax return transcript contains most of the information from your tax return, including your adjusted gross income, which is needed to file your taxes for the current year.

Step 5: Use Tax Preparation Software

If all else fails, using tax preparation software can be a great option. Many tax preparation software programs have the ability to import your previous year’s tax information, making it easy to retrieve the necessary data for the current year’s return.

In conclusion, by following these five simple steps, you can retrieve your last year’s tax information efficiently and effectively. It’s essential to make sure you have all the necessary documents to file your taxes accurately and on time. With this information at hand, you’ll be able to file your taxes with ease and confidence.