2022 Tax Checklist, Steps

On this page, find a checklist and different steps we recommend you should take prior to preparing and e-filing your taxes. Find a preparation guide, help during the filing process, and how to receive your refund or pay your due tax.

This page will help reduce errors and tax return rejections by the IRS and/or state agencies. The 2023 Tax Season begins in January 2023 for 2022 Returns due by April 15, 2023. If you miss this deadline, you can e-file until October 15, 2023. However, we recommend you don't e-file until you are absolutely certain you have received all your tax forms, like a W-2 or 1099. According to the IRS, any employers, brokers, etc. have to send these forms to you by January 31.

Furthermore, throughout the year, see how to keep more of your hard-earned money; start using the Taxpert.com Taxometer in January to taxercise your paycheck, tax withholding, and balance your tax return.

2022 Income Tax Return Checklist

Filing your own taxes for the first time? Looking for steps on how to file your income tax return? The items below generally apply for all tax years, but will help you complete your 2022 Tax Return for federal and applicable state. View the description of the item and click the link to learn more and find helpful resources.

Tax Year
Type of Return
Description
2022
Gather Tax Forms, Receipts, Documents
Checklist to collect all forms, data, etc. before you prepare and e-file your income tax return.
2022
Go over these life changing events and see how they might affect your taxes.
2022
A list of forms you can enter while preparing your return and forms the tax app will generate and e-file for you.
2022
With or without a Taxpert.com account, have access to over 10 Tax Tools that help you prepare. The best way to calculate your 2022 Return is to start free on Taxpert.com.
2022

Your 2021 Tax Return Copy

See ways to obtain a copy of your 2021 Tax Return. If you e-filed via Taxpert.com, your 2021 Return will be in your account. You will need your 2021 AGI or Adjusted Gross Income for your 2022 Tax Return - see below.
2022

Form W-2 for Wages and Salaries

You will receive a W-2 from your employer which will list your total income and taxes withheld during the tax year.
2022

1099 Income Tax Forms

You will get a 1099 form online and/or in the mail if you received certain types of income during the year. For example, if you are self-employed, you may receive a 1099-MISC or 1099-NEC. Keep in mind, there are many other types of 1099 forms that may be required for your tax return. 
2022

Social Security Number, Address, Name Change

Do you need a new or updated SSN? Or, has your address or name changed in 2022? If your return data does not match IRS data, your return might get rejected
2022

2021 Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)

You will need your 2021 AGI to be able to e-file and validate your 2022 Tax Return. If you received a letter from the IRS with an Identity Protection number or an IP-PIN, you will need to enter this as well.
2022

How do want to receive your 2022 Tax Refund?

You will need to select one of these options while preparing your 2022 Tax Return. Generally, direct deposit is recommended as it is the quickest and safest way to receive a tax refund.
2022

How to Pay for Taxes?

The tax penalties not to file are higher than not to pay. Tax Tip: file by the deadline, even if you can't pay!
2022

The Alternative Minimum Tax - AMT. Does it apply to you?

Generally, most taxpayers do not have to worry about the AMT. This is extra information—when you prepare on Taxpert.com, the app will figure this out for you.
2022
Calculate, Estimate First before you e-file. Taxpert.com supports various 1040 Forms which are outlined on the linked page.
2022
e-File only together with a federal return as per law, excluding the state of California. One or more state ONLY return(s) can be prepared on Taxpert.com, but must be printed and mailed.

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