Mixed in with our daily junk mail, we’re all receiving the forms we’ll need to file our taxes for 2023 by the deadline of April 15. Taking steps to get organized will make preparing a complete and accurate tax return easier. It helps you avoid errors that could slow your refund and may help you find overlooked deductions or credits.

The IRS suggests waiting to file until you have all your tax records including… 

• Forms W-2 from your employer(s)
• Forms 1099 from banks, issuing agencies and other payers including unemployment compensation, dividends, pension, annuity or retirement plan distributions
• Form 1099-K, 1099-MISC, W-2 or other income statement if you worked in the gig economy
• Form 1099-INT if you were paid interest
• Other documents related to your circumstance

If your address has changed in the past year, be certain that the IRS and others who owe you statements have your new address.

State Street Retiree Services will mail all 1099-R tax forms to retirees by January 31; If a portion of your pension comes from Aetna, John Hancock and/or Athene, you’ll also receive 1099-Rs from them. If after February 20 you haven’t received or have misplaced your 1099-R from the Red Cross, you can phone the Benefits Service Center (BSC) at 877-860-7526 for a copy or log in to your account on the BSC web portal at http://digital.alight.com/redcross and navigate > Savings & Retirement > Retirement Education> Forms & Retirement. Near the bottom of this page, you’ll find an option to have a duplicate mailed to you.