BackYears is an independent referral service. We are not a CPA firm, tax preparer, or law firm, and we are not affiliated with the IRS or any government agency. Tax services are provided by independent licensed professionals.
Records you'll need as a freelancer
Short answer: For each missing year, a tax pro will usually ask for income records (1099-NEC, 1099-MISC, 1099-K, W-2s, bank and payment app statements), cost records (receipts, phone and internet bills, mileage, home office bills) and any IRS or state letters. You don't need perfect records to start. If some are missing, the IRS lets you request transcripts that show income reported to it.
Written by the BackYears editorial team. Published . Last reviewed .
Not yet reviewed by a tax professional.
When you catch up on unfiled years, the work is mostly about income and costs for each missing year. You don't need perfect records to start. This checklist covers what a tax pro typically asks for, so you can gather what you can before your first call.
This is general information, not tax advice. Please don't send any of these documents to BackYears. We never collect them.
Income records
- 1099-NEC and 1099-MISC forms from clients
- 1099-K forms from payment apps and marketplaces
- W-2s from any jobs you had in those years
- Bank and payment app statements showing deposits
- Your own invoices or a list of clients and what they paid
If you sell through apps or marketplaces, the IRS explains the 1099-K on understanding your Form 1099-K(IRS.gov), opens in a new tab.
Cost records
- Receipts or statements for software, equipment and supplies
- Phone and internet bills, if you used them for work
- Mileage notes or a calendar of work trips
- Rent and utility bills, if you work from home
Letters and past returns
- Any letters from the IRS or your state, with the envelope dates
- Copies of any returns you did file, before or after the gap
If records are missing
Missing records are normal. The IRS lets you request transcripts that show income reported to it: see Get transcript(IRS.gov), opens in a new tab. The IRS also has general guidance on recordkeeping for small businesses(IRS.gov), opens in a new tab and on how long to keep records(IRS.gov), opens in a new tab.
Once you've gathered what you can, a licensed tax pro can tell you what's enough and what needs rebuilding. BackYears can introduce you to one, if you'd like. Nothing is shared unless you say yes.
Sources
Questions people ask
What if I've lost most of my records?
That's common. Start with what you have. Bank and payment app statements can often be downloaded again, and IRS transcripts show income reported to the IRS. A tax pro can help rebuild the rest.
Should I send my documents to BackYears?
No. We never collect tax documents, SSNs or bank details. If you choose to work with a tax pro, you share records with them directly.
Want help catching up?
Answer a few questions (no SSN). If you say yes, we'll introduce you to a vetted tax pro who offers a flat price. Free, no obligation.
Start the questionsRelated
- I haven't filed taxes in 3 years: what now?
A calm, plain-English look at what to do when you haven't filed for a few years, with links to the IRS's own pages.
- Self-employed with missing records
Lost receipts, old bank accounts, no idea what you earned? Missing records are common when catching up. Here's where people usually start.
- Gig and app workers with a 1099-K
Drove, delivered or sold through apps and stopped filing? Here's what a 1099-K is, what records help, and how people usually catch up.
Everything on this site is general information, not tax, legal or financial advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a licensed tax professional.