Tipped and Hourly Worker: What to Bring to Your Tax Appointment

Some workers may qualify for new federal deductions for certain tip income and overtime pay. Whether you qualify depends on your job, your income, and your records. Bring the items below so we can check.

Identity and Household

  • Photo ID
  • Social Security number or ITIN for you, your spouse, and your dependents (cards or official letters)
  • Last year's tax return, if you have it

Income Documents

  • All W-2 forms (one for every employer, including second jobs)
  • Last pay stub of the year from each job
  • Any 1099 forms (for example, 1099-NEC, 1099-K, 1099-MISC)
  • Tip records: daily tip logs, tip-out records, or employer tip reports
  • Overtime: pay stubs or employer statements showing overtime hours and overtime pay

Other Items

  • Forms 1095-A or other health insurance forms
  • Childcare provider name, address, tax ID, and amounts paid
  • Student loan interest (Form 1098-E), tuition (Form 1098-T)
  • Bank routing and account number for your refund (give these only through our secure portal)

Tips for Your Records

  • • Write down cash tips every shift, not at the end of the year.
  • • Keep your pay stubs. They often show how tips and overtime were reported.
  • • Ask your employer how tips and overtime appear on your W-2.
  • • Do not assume work costs like uniforms or shoes can be deducted. For most employees they cannot. Ask us.

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General information only, not tax or legal advice. Tax rules change and depend on your facts. Check current IRS guidance or ask a qualified preparer before relying on this.