Here’s a checklist of the tax forms needed to file your return

If you’re expecting a tax refund this season, you can avoid delays by filing a complete and accurate return. But first, you’ll need to gather your tax forms.

You get tax forms such as W-2s and 1099s from employers and financial institutions each year. Those entities also send the IRS copies, called “information returns.” And skipping forms on your return could halt processing.

“It’s the [IRS] matching software that’s the biggest, most consistent problem for taxpayers,” said Bill Smith, national director of tax technical services at financial services firm CBIZ MHM.   

Since the IRS already has a copy of your tax forms, its software can easily flag missing forms, Smith explained.

Mistakes will require you to send an amended return and that’s going to slow up the system even further, said Henry Grzes, lead manager of tax practice and ethics with the American Institute of CPAs.

Even if you can submit the amended return electronically, it’s typically processed manually, which can take months, said Tom O’Saben, an enrolled agent and director of tax content and government relations at the National Association of Tax Professionals.

“That is still a manual and very labor-intensive process,” he said, stressing the importance of filing an accurate return the first time by having all your tax forms ready.

Here’s a list of some of the most common tax forms and when to expect them.

While many tax forms must be sent by Jan. 31, others won’t arrive until mid-February or beyond. “Information returns come in later and later every year,” Smith said.

For earnings, common forms may include a W-2 for wages, 1099-NEC for contract or gig economy work, 1099-G for unemployment income and 1099-R for retirement plan distributions. 

While most taxpayers will receive forms from their employers or financial institutions, some may not, especially for small amounts.

“You can’t just say, ‘I didn’t get…