Which of the following is commonly required for creating a tax return?

The W-2 form is a critical document commonly required for creating a tax return because it provides essential information about an employee's earnings and the taxes withheld throughout the year. Employers issue the W-2 to their employees annually, detailing wages earned, tips, and other compensation, as well as the federal, state, and other taxes that have been withheld. This information is vital for correctly reporting income and calculating tax liability on an individual’s tax return.

While other forms like the W-4, 1099, and Schedule A play important roles in tax preparation, they serve different purposes. The W-4 is used by employees to indicate their tax withholding preferences, whereas the 1099 is typically issued for self-employed individuals or those receiving income other than wages. Schedule A is utilized for itemizing deductions rather than reporting income directly. Therefore, the W-2 form is the most universally required document for accurately preparing a tax return, making it the correct answer.