What you need to do to file taxes

Filing taxes means sending the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) a report of the money you earned in the past year and calculating how much tax you owe or how much they owe you. You do this by filling out a tax form — usually Form 1040 for most people — and submitting it by April 15 each year (or the next business day if April 15 falls on a weekend). The form asks for your income, deductions, and credits, and the IRS uses that information to determine your final tax bill.

You can file on paper by mailing the form to the IRS, or you can file electronically online, which is faster and more common. If you file electronically and are owed a refund, you typically receive it within 21 days. If you owe money, you pay it when you file or arrange a payment plan with the IRS.

Key Takeaways

  • The deadline to file is April 15 each year, and you must report all income you earned in the previous calendar year.
  • You will need documents like W-2 forms from employers, 1099 forms for self-employment or other income, and records of deductions or credits you claim.
  • You can file for free using IRS Free File if your income is below a certain threshold, or pay a tax preparer or software company to file for you.
  • If you cannot file by April 15, you can request an extension that gives you until October 15, though you still owe any taxes due by April 15.

Documents you need before you start

Gather these documents before you begin filling out your tax form. If you worked for an employer, you will receive a W-2 form from each employer by January 31. The W-2 shows your total wages, tips, and withheld taxes. If you are self-employed or received income from sources other than an employer — such as freelance work, rental income, or interest — you will receive a 1099 form. The type of 1099 depends on the income source: 1099-NEC for self-employment, 1099-INT for interest, 1099-DIV for dividends.

You will also need records of any deductions or credits you plan to claim. Deductions reduce your taxable income and include things like mortgage interest, charitable donations, or student loan interest. Credits directly reduce the tax you owe and include things like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Child Tax Credit. Keep receipts, bank statements, or written records showing the amounts. If you paid for childcare, education, or medical expenses, have those records ready. If you own a home or rental property, gather statements showing property taxes and mortgage interest paid.

Three ways to file: free, low-cost, and paid options

IRS Free File is available to people whose income is below a certain threshold — this threshold changes each year but is typically around $73,000 for 2024. You can use Free File through the IRS website (irs.gov) to access free tax software from approved companies. You fill out your information online, the software calculates your taxes, and you submit it electronically. This option costs nothing.

Tax software you purchase yourself — such as TurboTax, H&R Block, or TaxAct — costs between $60 and $200 depending on the complexity of your return and the company. You download or access the software online, answer questions about your income and deductions, and the software walks you through each step. The software then files your return electronically with the IRS. Many of these companies also offer a free version if your taxes are simple.

Tax preparers or CPAs are people trained to file taxes for you. They charge a fee — typically $150 to $500 or more depending on how complex your situation is — and you meet with them in person or by phone to provide your documents. They fill out the forms and file on your behalf. You can find tax preparers through the IRS website, through local tax preparation services, or through referrals. Some nonprofits also offer free tax preparation through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program if your income is below a certain level.

Step-by-step filing process

If you are filing yourself using tax software or on paper, start by gathering all your documents — W-2s, 1099s, and records of deductions. Open the tax software or obtain Form 1040 and the schedules you need (such as Schedule A if you itemize deductions). Answer each question about your income, starting with wages from your W-2, then any other income from 1099s or other sources.

Next, decide whether to take the standard deduction or itemize deductions. The standard deduction is a flat amount set by the IRS each year — for 2024, it is $14,600 for single filers and $29,200 for married couples filing jointly. If your total deductions (mortgage interest, property taxes, charitable donations, and so on) add up to more than the standard deduction, you itemize instead. Most people take the standard deduction because it is simpler.

Then, claim any credits you are may have access to to — such as the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, or education credits. The software or form will ask questions to determine which credits apply to you. Finally, the form calculates your total tax owed, subtracts any taxes already withheld from your paychecks (shown on your W-2), and tells you whether you owe money or will receive a refund. If filing electronically, you submit the return online. If filing on paper, you print it, sign it, and mail it to the IRS address listed in the form instructions.

What happens after you file

If you file electronically, the IRS acknowledges receipt within 24 hours. If you are owed a refund and filed electronically, you typically receive it within 21 days if you chose direct deposit to your bank account. If you requested a paper check, it takes longer — usually four to six weeks. You can track your refund status on the IRS website using the "Where's My Refund?" tool.

If you owe taxes, you can pay in full when you file, or you can set up a payment plan with the IRS. If you cannot pay by April 15, you can still file your return on time to avoid penalties for not filing — you will only owe a penalty for late payment, which is smaller. The IRS will send you a bill if you owe and did not pay when you filed.

Requesting an extension if you cannot file by April 15

If you cannot file by April 15, you can request an automatic extension that moves your deadline to October 15. To request an extension, file Form 4868 with the IRS before April 15. You can file this form electronically through tax software, by mail, or through the IRS website. Filing an extension does not extend the deadline to pay taxes you owe — you still owe any taxes due by April 15, and you will face penalties and interest if you do not pay by then. The extension only gives you more time to file the actual return.

An extension is useful if you are waiting for documents, need time to gather records, or simply need more time to prepare. However, if you expect to owe money, it is better to pay what you estimate you owe by April 15 and then file your actual return later — this way you avoid penalties for late payment.

Common situations that change how you file

If you are self-employed, you must file Schedule C along with your Form 1040 to report your business income and expenses. You will also owe self-employment tax (Social Security and Medicare tax), which you calculate on Schedule SE. If you have a spouse and both of you worked, you can file jointly (one return for both of you) or separately (two returns). Filing jointly usually results in a lower total tax, but there are situations where filing separately is better — a tax preparer can advise you.

If you received unemployment benefits, you report that on your return and may owe tax on it. If you received a stimulus payment or tax credit advance during the year, you report that too. If you have dependents — children or other relatives you support — you claim them on your return to receive the Child Tax Credit and other benefits. Keep records showing your relationship to the dependent and their Social Security number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to file taxes if I did not earn much money?

It depends on how much you earned and your age. For 2024, if you are single and earned less than $14,600, you generally do not have to file. However, if you had taxes withheld from your paychecks, you should file anyway to get a refund. If you are self-employed, you must file if you earned $400 or more, even if your total income is low.

What if I lost my W-2 or 1099?

Contact your employer or the company that issued the form and ask for a copy. They are required to provide it. If you cannot reach them, you can contact the IRS and request a transcript of your income, which shows what was reported to the IRS about you. You can use that transcript to file your return.

Can I file my taxes if I do not have a Social Security number?

You need either a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to file. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can apply for an ITIN through the IRS. The process takes several weeks, so apply as soon as possible if you need one.

What if I made a mistake on my return after I filed?

You can file an amended return using Form 1040-X. You have three years from the original filing date to file an amended return and claim a refund, or three years to pay additional taxes you owe. If you owe money, file the amended return as soon as you discover the error to avoid additional penalties and interest.

Do I need to keep my tax documents after I file?

Yes. Keep your tax return, W-2s, 1099s, and receipts for deductions for at least three years. The IRS can audit your return up to three years after you file, and you will need these documents to prove what you reported. If you claim a deduction for a home or investment, keep those records longer — typically seven years or more.