Printable Form 2026

IRS Form 13690 English & Spanish

IRS Form 13690 English & Spanish – Are you preparing your tax return and need a reliable way to ensure you have all the necessary documents? IRS Form 13690 (EN-SP), also known as the Income and Deductions Checklist in English and Spanish, is a valuable tool designed to help taxpayers gather essential paperwork for accurate tax filing. This bilingual form simplifies the process, making it accessible for English and Spanish speakers alike. Whether you’re using free tax preparation services like VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) or preparing your taxes independently, this checklist ensures nothing is overlooked.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about IRS Form 13690, including its purpose, key sections, how to use it, and where to download the latest version. Stay organized and avoid common tax filing pitfalls with this step-by-step overview.

What Is IRS Form 13690?

IRS Form 13690 is a one-page bilingual checklist that outlines the primary documents required for reporting income and claiming deductions on your federal tax return. Released by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in April 2006, it serves as a quick reference for taxpayers to bring relevant items when seeking tax help or filing independently. The form is presented in both English and Spanish side-by-side, promoting inclusivity for non-English speakers.

The primary goal of this form is to streamline tax preparation by reminding users of critical documents. It’s particularly useful for low-to-moderate-income individuals, families, seniors, and those eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). By using this checklist, you can reduce errors, speed up processing, and potentially maximize your refund or minimize your tax liability.

Purpose of the Income and Deductions Checklist

The IRS created Form 13690 to assist with efficient tax return preparation. It encourages taxpayers to compile all necessary records before starting the filing process, which helps prevent delays or IRS audits due to missing information. This form is often used at community tax clinics, VITA sites, or Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs, where volunteers help prepare returns for free.

Key benefits include:

  • Organization: Keeps track of income sources and deductible expenses.
  • Accuracy: Ensures all reportable income (like wages or interest) is included to comply with tax laws.
  • Bilingual Support: Spanish translations make it easier for multilingual households.
  • Time-Saving: Reduces back-and-forth with tax preparers by having everything ready upfront.

If you’re wondering, “What documents do I need for my taxes?” this form provides a straightforward answer tailored to common income and deduction scenarios.

Key Sections and Checklist Items on Form 13690

The form is divided into a simple list of items under the heading “Income and Deductions Checklist” (Lista de Control de Ingreso y Deducciones). It doesn’t require filling out fields like a traditional tax form; instead, it’s a reference tool. Here’s a breakdown of the main categories and items, with English and Spanish terms for clarity:

Income Documents

These items help report all taxable earnings accurately:

  • Form W-2: Wage and Tax Statement (for employment income).
  • Form 1099: For interest, dividends, or other non-wage income (Interés, dividendos).

Deductions and Supporting Documents

Focus on items that may reduce your taxable income:

  • Copy of Prior Year’s Tax Return: For reference and carryover information (Copia de declaración año anterior).
  • Social Security or ITIN Numbers: For yourself, spouse, and dependents (Número de Seguro Social ó ITIN suyo, del cónyuge y dependientes).
  • Mortgage Interest and Property Tax Statements: Proof of home-related deductions (Interés hipotecario e impuestos de propiedad).
  • Charitable Contributions: Receipts or statements for donations (Contribuciones caritativas).
  • Medical Expense Receipts: Documentation for healthcare costs exceeding thresholds (Recibos de gastos médicos).
  • Childcare Expense Receipts: Including the provider’s identifying number (Recibos de gastos cuidado de niños número de identificación del proveedor).

All items are listed bilingually, with Spanish equivalents directly beside the English text. Note that this is not an exhaustive list—complex situations may require additional forms like Schedule A for itemized deductions or Form 1098 for student loans.

How to Use IRS Form 13690 for Tax Preparation?

Using Form 13690 is straightforward:

  1. Download the Form: Get the PDF from the official IRS website (more on this below).
  2. Review the Checklist: Go through each item and gather corresponding documents.
  3. Organize Your Paperwork: Sort items into categories (e.g., income vs. deductions) for easy access.
  4. Bring to Your Appointment: If using a tax professional or VITA site, present the documents as listed.
  5. File Your Return: Use the gathered info to complete your Form 1040 or other applicable tax forms.

Pro Tip: Even if you’re e-filing with software like TurboTax or H&R Block, this checklist can help verify you’ve uploaded or entered all required data. For Spanish speakers, the dual-language format eliminates translation barriers.

Common Questions About IRS Form 13690

  • Is Form 13690 Required? No, it’s optional but highly recommended for organized filing.
  • Has It Been Updated Recently? The current version is from April 2006, and it’s still in use as of 2026.
  • Who Should Use It? Anyone preparing taxes, especially those with multiple income sources or deductions.
  • What If I Miss an Item? Omitting documents could lead to underreported income or denied deductions—always double-check.

Where to Download IRS Form 13690?

You can download the official PDF of IRS Form 13690 (EN-SP) directly from the IRS website at https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f13690es.pdf. For the most up-to-date version, visit the IRS Forms and Publications page and search for “Form 13690.” Avoid third-party sites to ensure you’re getting the authentic, current document.

Final Thoughts on Staying Tax-Compliant

IRS Form 13690 is a simple yet powerful resource for mastering your income and deductions during tax season. By following this English-Spanish checklist, you’ll be better prepared, potentially saving time and money. Remember, tax laws can change, so consult the IRS website or a tax professional for personalized advice.

If you have more questions about tax forms, deductions, or filing, explore additional IRS resources or reach out to a certified advisor. Happy filing!