Get Ready for Taxes: Which Household Documents You Should Organize Before February
By the Editorial Team at Musa Magazine
In the United States, few words create as much stress as “Tax Season.” For many people, it’s synonymous with confusing paperwork, fear of making mistakes, or the anxiety of not knowing whether they’ll owe money or get a refund.
But here’s the secret accountants want you to know: the stress doesn’t come from paying taxes—it comes from disorganization. If you wait until April to dig receipts out of shoeboxes, you’ll suffer. If you prepare in January, the process becomes simple and straightforward.
Before February arrives, set aside one afternoon to gather these three key groups of documents:
1. Income Documents (What Came In)
By the end of January, your mailbox will start filling up. Don’t throw away anything that looks official.
• Form W-2: If you’re an employee, this is the most important document. Your employer must send it by January 31.
• 1099 Forms: If you have a side hustle, sell catalog products, drive Uber, or do freelance work, you’ll receive a 1099-NEC or 1099-K.
• Bank Interest: If you have savings, look for Form 1099-INT.
l 2. Deduction Documents (What Can Save You Money)
This is where good household organization really pays off. These papers can increase your refund or reduce what you owe.
• Housing: If you own a home, you’ll need Form 1098 (Mortgage Interest) and your property tax statement.
• Children and Care: This is crucial. If you pay for daycare or after-school care so you can work, gather those receipts. You’ll need the provider’s name, address, and tax ID number (EIN).
• Donations: Did you donate clothes to Goodwill or money to your church last year? Find those receipts—they may be deductible.
• Medical Expenses: If you had high out-of-pocket medical costs not covered by insurance, group those bills together.
3. Identification Documents (Who You Are)
It sounds obvious, but this is the number one mistake that delays refunds.
• Have the Social Security Numbers (SSN) or ITINs for everyone ready: you, your spouse, and each dependent. One incorrect number can cause your entire return to be rejected.
• If the IRS sent you an IP PIN (Identity Protection PIN) by mail, guard it carefully. You’ll need it to file.
The Golden Tip: “The January Folder”
You don’t need a complicated system. Buy a simple plastic folder and label it “TAXES 2026.” Put every tax-related letter that arrives by mail in it, or immediately print and file anything that comes by email.
Organizing this before February lets you file early. The advantage? You avoid identity theft (no one can file in your name if you already have), and you get your refund much faster. Make this tax year the calmest one yet.