Is my income tax different after I retire?

While retirees might have different forms to file with their tax return, the filing process is the same: Fill out your return with all relevant financial information and send it to the IRS. Filing online is still the fastest, most secure way to file your taxes, though some may prefer to complete their returns on paper.

Gathering all important documentation before sitting down to file is key to an easy process. Common income documents for retirees include:

• Forms 1099-INT for interest income
• Forms 1099-DIV for dividends and distributions
• Forms 1099-R for distributions from pensions, annuities, IRAs, and retirement or profit-sharing plans
• Forms W-2 from part-time employment

You should also have documentation supporting deductible expenses such as mortgage interest, medical bills, charitable donations, property taxes paid throughout the year, and dependent care.