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Filing taxes for the first time (US)

Check if you need to file, gather your forms, file free if you qualify and keep your copy.

25 items · 5 sections · money, personal-finance, documents

Start this checklist

Do you need to file? (4)

  • Use the IRS tool to check if you must file or should file for a refundIt takes about 12 minutes.Open
  • Even if you need not file, consider it if tax was withheld from your payFiling is how you get a refund.
  • Note the deadline: usually April 15If it falls on a weekend or holiday it moves to the next business day.
  • Find out if your state has its own return

Gather your documents (7)

  • Social Security number or ITIN for everyone on the return
  • Bank account and routing numbers for your refund
  • Form W-2 from each employerThese usually arrive by January or February.
  • Forms 1099 for other income1099-NEC for gig work, 1099-INT for bank interest, 1099-K for payment apps.
  • Form 1095-A if you had Marketplace health insurance
  • Receipts for tuition, childcare, charity and retirement contributions
  • Income and expense records for any side job

Prepare (5)

  • Find out if someone can claim you as a dependentStudents supported by parents: ask them first, because it changes your return.
  • Choose your filing status
  • Look up credits you may qualify forSuch as the Earned Income Tax Credit and education credits.
  • Check IRS Free File, through IRS.govGuided software had a $95,000 income limit last season; check this year's limit. It reopens in January.Open
  • Start at IRS.gov, not a partner's own siteGoing directly to a partner's site does not get you Free File.

File (6)

  • Check your name and SSN match your Social Security record exactly
  • Enter every W-2 and 1099 figure, then check them against the forms
  • Choose direct deposit and check the account number twice
  • Sign and e-file, then wait for the accepted emailIf rejected, you can usually fix it and resubmit before the deadline.
  • Need more time? File Form 4868 by the deadlineIt gives you 6 more months to file, not more time to pay.
  • Owe money? Pay what you can by the deadline to limit penalties

Afterwards (3)

  • Save a PDF of your return and your forms
  • Note your adjusted gross income for next year
  • Be wary of calls or texts claiming to be the IRSThe IRS usually starts contact by mail.

Written from www.irs.gov

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