TAX TIPS

All of the required tax forms from employers, brokers, mortgage companies and others must arrive by January 31. Find a place for your tax records as you receive the relevant documents listed below. Also, as these arrive, review them for accuracy.

Common forms most people receive include:

• W-2 from employers reporting income and taxes withheld throughout the year.
  
• 1099-MISC if you've done any freelance work.
  
• 1099-DIV from mutual fund companies and brokerage firms reporting dividends paid and distributions made.
  
• 1099-INT from banks reporting interest income.
  
• 1098 from your mortgage company reporting the interest you've paid for the year.

Get organized! Start to assemble your own records.

Even if you owe taxes, it's a good idea to start organizing early. You certainly don't want to forget a vital deduction because you rushed through your documents at the last minute.