Plain-English guides to tax paperwork

Guides

• Which tax forms should I expect this year?

  A plain-English list of the tax forms people commonly receive — W-2s, the 1099 family, 1098s and more — and when they usually arrive.

• What is an IRS transcript, and how do I get mine for free?

  What the five IRS transcript types show, which one lists your W-2s and 1099s, and the free ways to get them online or by mail.

• A tax form never arrived — what now?

  What to do when a W-2 or 1099 does not arrive: check online, contact the payer, when to ask the IRS for help, and how Form 4852 works.

• Before you meet your tax preparer: a checklist

  A plain checklist of what to bring to your tax preparer: personal details, income forms, records for deductions and credits, and last year's return.