What Documents Do You Need for Tax Prep in Las Cruces? A 2026 Checklist

When Does Tax Season Start and What Is the Filing Deadline?

New Mexico began accepting electronic income tax returns on January 16, 2026, with the federal tax season beginning January 26. Taxpayers have until April 15 to file returns and pay any taxes due. New Mexico generally grants a six-month extension for filing, moving the deadline to October 15, 2026, for most individual filers. Keep in mind that an extension to file is not an extension to pay, so any tax owed is still due by the original deadline.

The earlier you gather your documents, the smoother your appointment will go.



Personal Identification and Basic Information

Every return starts with the basics. Have these on hand before your appointment.

What Every Filer Needs

• Your Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for yourself, your spouse, and any dependents.
• A government-issued photo ID.
• Your prior-year federal and New Mexico state tax returns.
• Bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit of your refund.



Income Documents

All income received during 2025 must be reported. Gather every income-related form before your visit.

W-2s and Wages

• Form W-2 from every employer you worked for in 2025, including any part-time or seasonal positions at local employers such as NMSU, Doña Ana County, or area healthcare networks.

1099 Forms and Other Income

• Form 1099-NEC or 1099-MISC for freelance, contract, or gig work.
• Form 1099-INT or 1099-DIV for bank interest or investment dividends.
• Form 1099-G if you received a New Mexico state tax refund or unemployment compensation in 2025.
• Form 1099-SSA if you received Social Security benefits. Most older New Mexico residents do not pay state taxes on Social Security; the exemption applies to single filers with less than $100,000 in adjusted gross income and married couples filing jointly with under $150,000.
• Form 1099-R for pension, retirement, or IRA distributions. New Mexico offers an income tax exemption on military pensions up to $30,000, and military disability retirement pay from active service is not subject to state income tax.



Business Income Records

If you own a small business, work as a sole proprietor, or earn self-employment income, bring:

• Profit and loss records or a summary of business income and expenses.
• Receipts for business purchases, mileage logs, and home office documentation if applicable.
• Gross receipts records, since New Mexico imposes a Gross Receipts Tax (GRT) on many business transactions. Combined state and local GRT rates range from 5.25 percent to 9.44 percent, so accurate records matter.

Deduction and Credit Documents

Common Itemized Deductions

• Mortgage interest statements (Form 1098) if you own a home in Las Cruces or the surrounding Doña Ana County area.
• Property tax records and receipts.
• Charitable contribution receipts from qualified organizations.
• Medical and dental expenses that may exceed the deductible threshold.

Education and Childcare

• Tuition statements (Form 1098-T) for yourself, your spouse, or a dependent enrolled at NMSU or another qualifying institution.
• Records of student loan interest paid (Form 1098-E).
• Childcare provider information, including name, address, and tax ID, for the Child and Dependent Care Credit.

New Mexico-Specific Credits

New Mexico offers several state-level credits that may reduce your liability. Ask your preparer about the New Mexico Low-Income Comprehensive Tax Rebate and the Working Families Tax Credit. Filers can claim a standard deduction or itemize; for 2025, the standard deduction is $15,750 for single filers and $31,500 for married couples filing jointly.



A Note About New Mexico State Filing

New Mexico requires a separate state income tax return in addition to your federal return. The state accepts electronic filing through the Taxpayer Access Point (TAP), which provides faster processing and direct deposit options for refunds. Your preparer can file both returns on your behalf but will need your prior-year New Mexico return to check for carryforward items.

Businesses should also provide records related to state payroll tax filings, GRT returns, and any Doña Ana County compliance requirements. Working with a qualified tax prep professional in Las Cruces ensures these state-level details are handled correctly.

Ready to File? Beasley, Mitchell & Co. Can Help

Pulling together this checklist before your appointment is one of the best things you can do for a smooth tax season. The experienced team at Beasley, Mitchell & Co. is ready to handle the details so you can focus on what matters most.

Schedule your appointment or get answers by calling (575) 528-6700. You can also visit the individual and business tax preparation page to learn more, or head to the request an estimate page to get started today.