A new relationship, child, job, home or source of income may affect your filing status, dependents, credits or records. Here are common changes to mention when preparing your return.
Federal filing status is generally based on marital status on December 31. For filing purposes, you generally remain married until a final divorce or separate-maintenance decree. Marriage or divorce can also change withholding and who may claim a child. If a spouse dies, a final return may be required and a surviving spouse may qualify for a special filing status if the rules are met. Review filing-status rules.
Birth, adoption, foster placement or a change in custody may affect the Child Tax Credit, Earned Income Credit, adoption benefits, dependent-care credit and who may claim a child. A child generally must live with you for more than half the year to meet the qualifying-child residency test for several benefits; special rules and exceptions apply. Review Child Tax Credit eligibility.
If you begin or stop supporting a parent or relative, keep records of where they lived, who paid household costs, their income and the support you provided. Those facts can affect whether a person qualifies as your dependent or whether care expenses may count for a credit. See the IRS care-credit rules.
A new job, job loss, unemployment, a second job, retirement, tips, overtime or 1099 work can change taxable income and withholding. W-2 employees can review their Form W-4; independent workers may need to make estimated payments. Keep every income statement and records of side-work payments, even when no form arrives. Use the IRS withholding estimator.
A move can affect state or local filing obligations, especially when you cross state lines or work in more than one state. Update your mailing address with the IRS and keep the dates you lived and worked in each location. Buying or selling a home can also create reporting questions. IRS: Change of address.
College expenses may involve Form 1098-T or student-loan interest records. Work-related care expenses may qualify for a credit if the rules are met. If you had Marketplace coverage, use Form 1095-A to reconcile any advance Premium Tax Credit on Form 8962; a change in household income or family size can affect the result. See Marketplace tax statements.
Selling investments can create capital gains or losses; selling your home may require reporting even when an exclusion could apply. Retirement distributions are reported on Form 1099-R, and canceled debt may be taxable unless an exclusion applies. Keep purchase records, closing statements and account forms. IRS: Sale of your home.
Keep insurance claims, repair bills, receipts, employer notices and federal disaster declarations if a disaster affects your home, work or finances. A special filing or payment deadline may apply to a federally declared disaster area, and casualty-loss rules are limited. Check current IRS disaster relief.
A change in your family or work can affect the details reviewed during preparation. Explore W-2 household and mixed-income tax preparation for personal filing support.
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