Everything you should be doing to prepare for tax season

The next tax day is Monday, April 15, 2019.
To prepare for tax season you'll want to gather some previously filed documents and obtain other documents you may need to file for tax returns.
Start tracking your income and deductions as soon as possible.

It can be useful if you begin organizing important paper work. BusinessInsider

Their social security and tax ID numbers
Their dates of birth
Childcare payment records (this includes the care provider's tax ID number)
Adoption papers (if applicable)
Form 8332 to show that a custodial parent is releasing their right to claim the child to you, the noncustodial parent (if applicable)
Any alimony payments that have an ex-spouse's social security number
Any death certificates

Form W-2 for wages/salary, federal and state tax withholding, tips and earned income credit (Your employer should send this to you by January 31, 2019)
Form 1099-G if you are unemployed and receiving unemployment benefits
Form 1099-Misc for compensation from freelance work (You should receive a form from all of your clients)
Form 1099-R for annuity income, IRA and pension
Form 1099-Div for those who have earned dividends
Form 1099-B, 1099-S for income from sales of property and stock
Form W-2G for any income from gambling
Any other income from prizes and awards (like lottery winnings), jury duty pay, alimony, or rentals

Some teachers can deduct classroom expenses. BusinessInsider

Records of all expenses if self-employed, including credit card statements and receipts
Records of expenses for rental homes
Records of expenses related to investments
Real estate and property tax records
Charitable donations, including non-cash and mileage driven for charitable purposes
Records of medical expenses, including payments made to doctors, dentists, clinics, or hospitals
Insurance payments
Childcare expenses, including daycare and babysitters
Any scholarships or fellowships received
Qualifying educational expenses
Interest on student loans
Job-related vehicle expenses
Classroom expenses for K-12 educators
Relocation expenses not covered by employer
State and local taxes paid excluding withholding
An invoice showing any sales tax paid on a vehicle
Any contributions made towards retirement
Expenses related to natural disaster losses, rebuilding, and repairs

Your filing status can impact which type of returns you need to file. BusinessInsider

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has a great tool called
The IRS has teamed up with private tax preparation companies like the
to offer
— a free and low-cost electronic filing service to those who earned less than $66,000 in 2018. Your information is protected from unauthorized use and will not be disclosed or used for any other purpose but tax preparation without your consent.
The
program offers free tax assistance to individuals who earn less than $54,000 annually, speak limited English, or have disabilities. The volunteers are IRS-certified to aid with basic income tax preparation and electronic filing for those who qualify.

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