Prepare for tax season with this checklist

Tax season has a habit of sneaking up on people and causing a scramble before the deadline. While you can't avoid paying taxes, you can take some of the anxiety out of the process by being prepared. Our planning checklist will help you have everything you need on hand.

To file your taxes , you'll need to provide various details that you already know, like your full name, address, date of birth and Social Security Number or Tax Identification Number. You'll also need this information for your spouse and any dependents, if you're filing jointly.

Have your bank account information handy. Opting to receive your return by direct deposit or pay your taxes via your bank account by submitting your routing and account number can speed up a deposit or payment.

Read more: How to use a savings account to grow any potential tax refund

You will need specific details about all income you received during the prior year.

If you and/or your spouse worked as an employee, you should receive a W2 from your employer, which shows the amount of taxes withheld from your paycheck and benefits provided.

If you worked as an independent contractor or freelancer, you will receive a 1099 detailing that income. 1099 forms are also used for payments like gambling winnings, rents or royalties, gains and losses in brokerage accounts and dividend and interest payments.

Deductions are expenses you accrued that can reduce your overall tax bill. To claim them on your taxes, you'll need to keep your receipts as proof.

Depending on the amount of taxes you've paid throughout the year, and how many deductions or credits you may qualify for, you could receive a tax refund. If you do, consider stashing it in the Ally Bank Savings Account so your money can work smarter.

If you contributed to a 401(k) or other retirement account, those amounts are tax deductible.

Donations to nonprofits, churches and other charitable gifts are also tax deductible. You must itemize them on your tax return.

Within certain limits, you can deduct the cost of hospital visits, prescriptions and other medical expenses.

If you pay for health insurance on your own, you can deduct the cost of your monthly premiums.

Work-related schooling costs including tuition, books, supplies and lab fees may be tax deductible if it maintains or improves skills in your current occupation. You can also write off the costs if the education is required by your employer or the law to keep your present salary, status or job.

Depending on where you live and whether you itemize when filing your federal taxes, you may be able to deduct certain taxes paid to state and local governments up to $10,000.

Don't forget to take advantage of credits, which can reduce the amount you owe or increase your refund.

If you're a student, you may qualify for the American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC), which provides a maximum credit of $2,500 for the first four years of higher education. And the Lifetime Learning Credit (LLC) is worth up to $2,000 per year for qualified tuition and related expenses.

Don't let tax time take you by surprise and cause unneeded stress this year. With a little planning, you'll have the paperwork you need at your fingertips to make the filing process as smooth as possible.