It’s January 15, 2026, and for many retirees, meaning the “tax season dash” has formally begun. However earlier than you rush into your accountant’s workplace or fireplace up your tax software program, take a deep breath. This isn’t simply one other tax 12 months. Between the large adjustments within the One Massive Stunning Invoice Act (OBBBA) and a wave of recent digital reporting guidelines, your “normal” shoebox of receipts may not be sufficient this time round.
In 2026, the IRS is on the lookout for particular proof for brand new deductions just like the $6,000 Senior Bonus and the American-made automotive mortgage curiosity break. For those who don’t have the correct paperwork, you may miss out on 1000’s of {dollars} in new financial savings or—worse—set off an automated “Audit Alarm.” That will help you navigate the brand new 2026 panorama, listed here are the ten important paperwork each senior wants to assemble earlier than their tax assembly.
1. The SSA-1099 (Social Safety Assertion)
That is the “outdated dependable” of senior tax prep. The SSA-1099 reveals precisely how a lot you acquired in advantages final 12 months and the way a lot federal tax you had withheld. Most of those varieties have been mailed out in early January, but when yours is lacking, you may obtain a substitute at SSA.gov beginning immediately. In 2026, this way is extra important than ever as a result of it helps decide if the brand new OBBBA deductions will make your advantages 100% tax-free.
2. Kind 1099-R (Retirement Distributions)
For those who took cash out of an IRA, 401(okay), or pension in 2025, you’ll obtain a 1099-R for every account. Pay shut consideration to the “Distribution Code” in Field 7. For those who did a Certified Charitable Distribution (QCD), your kind may not explicitly state it, so that you’ll have to deliver your individual information of the switch to make sure you aren’t taxed on that cash.
3. The New Schedule 1-A “Worksheet”
Whereas not a doc you obtain, you might want to put together a “Modified AGI” worksheet to say the brand new $6,000 senior deduction. As a result of this deduction phases out beginning at $75,000 (single) or $150,000 (joint), your accountant might want to see each scrap of earnings—together with tax-exempt curiosity—to fill out Schedule 1-A accurately.
4. Kind 1098-VLI (Automobile Mortgage Curiosity)
Did you purchase a brand new automotive final 12 months? The OBBBA created a brand-new deduction for curiosity paid on loans for autos assembled within the U.S. For 2026, lenders are issuing Kind 1098-VLI to trace this. For those who haven’t acquired yours by February 1st, name your lender; this “new” kind is simple to miss, however it may be value lots of in tax financial savings.
5. Kind 1099-DA (Digital Belongings)
For the primary time in 2026, the IRS is requiring brokers to concern Kind 1099-DA for cryptocurrency and NFT transactions. For those who dabbled in digital belongings final 12 months, don’t file with out this way. Even for those who solely bought a small quantity, the IRS’s new AI techniques are particularly on the lookout for “1099-DA mismatches” to set off audits.
6. Property Tax Statements (The $40,000 SALT Proof)
With the SALT cap leaping from $10,000 to $40,000 in 2026, many seniors who took the usual deduction for years will now discover it higher to itemize. Convey your bodily property tax payments and proof of state earnings tax paid. That is your ticket to a a lot bigger deduction than you’ve had since 2017.
7. The 2025 “Power Enchancment” Receipts
For those who put in a warmth pump, new home windows, or insulation final 12 months, 2026 is the final “massive” 12 months for the Power Environment friendly House Enchancment Credit score. You want the particular producer’s certification and your ultimate paid bill. With out these particulars, you may’t declare the as much as $3,200 credit score that helps offset the excessive value of house modernization.
8. Medical Expense Abstract (The 7.5% Threshold)
With healthcare prices and Medicare premiums rising, extra seniors are crossing the 7.5% AGI threshold for medical deductions. Collect your receipts for something Medicare didn’t cowl: dental work, listening to aids, eyeglasses, and even the “facility charges” we’ve been warning you about. In 2026, these “small” payments can add up to an enormous tax protect.
9. Kind 1095-A (Well being Insurance coverage Market)
For those who aren’t but on Medicare and acquired insurance coverage by means of the Alternate, you should have Kind 1095-A. This type is used to reconcile your Premium Tax Credit. With the OBBBA’s adjustments to healthcare subsidies, failing to incorporate this way is the #1 cause 2026 tax returns are being rejected by the IRS.
10. Charitable Contribution Receipts (Even for those who don’t itemize!)
In 2026, the “Commonplace Charitable Deduction” is again. Even for those who don’t itemize, you may deduct as much as $1,000 (single) or $2,000 (joint) for money donations. You should have a written acknowledgment from the charity for any reward over $250. Don’t depart this cash on the desk simply since you aren’t filling out a full Schedule A.
Preparation is the Finest Audit Protection
The 2026 tax season is a “paperwork puzzle.” Whereas the OBBBA has made the tax code extra beneficiant for retirees, it has additionally made the IRS extra observant. By strolling into your accountant’s workplace with these ten paperwork in hand, you aren’t simply making their job simpler—you’re guaranteeing that you simply declare each penny of the brand new “Senior Bonus” and preserving your identify off the audit listing.
Are you continue to ready for a 1099 kind to reach within the mail, or have you ever already gathered your 2026 “Massive Stunning” guidelines? Go away a remark beneath and tell us which kind has been the toughest to trace down!
