Gather all income records from the year
Use your final pay stub if you do not have a W-2
Contact your employer and request a copy of your W-2
Check your online payroll or employee portal
Review any 1099 forms you received
Collect bank statements, invoices, and payment records for self-employment income
Use Form 4852 if you cannot get a W-2
Estimate wages and taxes withheld from your records
File Form 1040 with the correct income information
Attach Form 4852 if required
Report all taxable income, including side jobs and freelance work
Check whether you need to file state taxes too
Keep copies of all documents you used
File by the deadline or request an extension if needed