What You Need Before You Start

Before you sit down to file, gather the documents that prove your income and deductions for the year. The IRS calls these your source documents. You will need them whether you file on paper, use tax software, or work with a tax preparer.

If you work as an employee, your employer sends you a W-2 form by January 31st each year. This shows your wages, tips, and taxes already withheld. If you are self-employed or have side income, you will need records of what you earned — bank statements, invoices, payment receipts, whatever shows the money came in. If you received unemployment benefits, Social Security, or interest from a bank account, you will receive forms for those too (1099-U, SSA-1099, 1099-INT). Collect all of these before you file.

You will also need records of anything you plan to deduct. This might be mortgage interest statements, property tax bills, medical receipts, charitable donation records, or business expense logs. Keep these organized by category — the IRS does not require you to send them with your return, but you must have them if the IRS asks questions later.

Key Takeaways

  • Gather your W-2 forms, 1099 forms, and records of deductions before you start filing.
  • You can file on paper using IRS Form 1040, use free or paid tax software, or hire a tax preparer — the result is the same to the IRS.
  • The filing deadline is April 15th each year, but you can request a six-month extension if you need more time.
  • The IRS processes most returns within 21 days if you file electronically and claim a refund by direct deposit.

Filing on Paper vs. Software vs. a Tax Preparer

You have three main routes to file your return. Each one produces the same document the IRS receives — the choice is about what works for your situation and budget.

Paper filing means you download or request Form 1040 and its schedules from the IRS website (irs.gov), fill them out by hand, and mail them to the address listed on the form. This is free but slow — the IRS takes longer to process paper returns, and if you make a math error, the IRS will catch it and send you a bill or hold your refund. You will need to know which schedules to include, which requires understanding tax law or reading the instructions carefully.

Tax software (TurboTax, H&R Block, TaxAct, and others) walks you through questions about your income and deductions, then builds your return for you. Many offer free versions if your income is below a certain threshold — usually around $73,000 for the 2024 tax year, though this changes yearly. Paid versions cost $60 to $200 depending on how complex your return is. The software catches math errors before you file and can file electronically, which speeds up processing. You still need your source documents; the software just organizes them for you.

A tax preparer or CPA does the work for you. They charge by the hour or by return complexity, typically $150 to $500 for a straightforward return. They handle gathering documents, asking the right questions, and filing. This is useful if your situation is complex — you own a business, have rental income, or are unsure what you can deduct — but it costs more than software.

How to File Electronically

Electronic filing is faster and more accurate than paper. The IRS processes e-filed returns within 21 days if you claim a refund by direct deposit, compared to four to six weeks for paper returns. To file electronically, you need either tax software or a tax preparer — the IRS does not accept returns directly from individuals through its website.

If you use tax software, the program will guide you through the e-filing process. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and filing status. The software encrypts your information and sends it to the IRS. You will receive a confirmation number within 24 hours, which means the IRS received your return. This is not approval — it is just a receipt.

If you use a tax preparer, they handle the electronic filing for you. Ask them when they will file and how you will receive your confirmation number. Some preparers file immediately after you sign; others batch returns and file them together on certain days.

What Happens After You File

Once the IRS receives your return, they process it. If you owe money, you can pay online through the IRS website (irs.gov/payments), by phone, or by mail. If you are owed a refund, the IRS will send it to you by direct deposit (fastest, usually two to three weeks) or by check (slower, usually three to four weeks). You can check the status of your refund on the IRS website using the "Where's My Refund?" tool — it updates once a day.

If the IRS finds an error or has questions about your return, they will mail you a notice. This does not mean you are in trouble; it means they want clarification or found a discrepancy. Read the notice carefully, follow the instructions, and respond by the deadline. If you disagree with what the IRS says, you have the right to appeal.

Filing Deadlines and Extensions

The standard deadline to file your federal tax return is April 15th each year. If April 15th falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline moves to the next business day. Most states follow the same deadline, though a few differ — check your state tax agency's website if you live outside the continental United States or in a territory.

If you cannot file by April 15th, you can request an automatic six-month extension. This gives you until October 15th to file. To request an extension, file Form 4868 with the IRS before the April 15th deadline. You can file this form electronically through tax software or by mail. An extension gives you more time to file, but it does not give you more time to pay taxes you owe — if you owe money and do not pay by April 15th, you will owe interest and penalties on the unpaid amount, even if you have an extension.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common filing mistakes are simple ones that slow down processing or trigger IRS notices. Use your correct Social Security number and spelling of your name exactly as it appears on your Social Security card. If your name changed during the year, use the name on your Social Security card, not your new legal name, unless you have already updated it with Social Security.

Double-check that your filing status matches your situation. Single, married filing jointly, married filing separately, head of household, and may have access to widow(er) each have different rules and tax amounts. If you are unsure which applies to you, the IRS website has a tool to help you determine it.

Report all income, even if you did not receive a form for it. If you received cash tips, sold something online, or had other income that did not come with a 1099, you still owe tax on it. The IRS cross-checks W-2s and 1099s against returns, so unreported income often gets caught.

If you are claiming deductions, keep your receipts and records for at least three years. The IRS can audit returns from the past three years, and you will need proof of what you deducted. Do not guess at amounts or round numbers — use actual figures from your records.

Free and Low-Cost Filing Options

If your income is below a certain threshold, you may be able to file for free through the IRS Free File program. This is a partnership between the IRS and tax software companies. You download software from the IRS website (irs.gov/freefile), and the software is free if you meet the income limit. Income limits vary by software provider but typically range from $60,000 to $79,000.

If your income is above the Free File limit, you can still use free software — many providers offer a free version with basic features, though you may pay for advanced features. Community Action Agencies and some libraries also offer free tax preparation help through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. To find a VITA site near you, call 211 or visit the IRS website.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I do not have all my documents by April 15th?

File an extension using Form 4868 before April 15th. This moves your filing deadline to October 15th. If you expect a refund, filing an extension does not delay it — you will still get your refund once you file. If you owe money, pay what you estimate you owe by April 15th to avoid interest and penalties.

Can I file my taxes myself if I have never done it before?

Yes. If your income is straightforward — you have one job, no side income, and take the standard deduction — tax software will walk you through it step by step. If your situation is more complex, a tax preparer or VITA volunteer can help. The IRS website also has detailed instructions for each form.

What if I made a mistake on a return I already filed?

File an amended return using Form 1040-X. You can file this anytime within three years of the original filing date. If the mistake means you owe more money, the IRS will bill you. If it means you are owed a refund, the IRS will send it to you.

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

It depends on your income and filing status. The IRS sets a threshold each year — if your income is below it, you do not have to file. However, if taxes were withheld from your paychecks, you should file anyway to get a refund. Check the IRS website for the current income threshold for your filing status.

How long does it take to get a refund?

If you file electronically and request direct deposit, the IRS typically processes your return within 21 days. If you file on paper or request a check, it takes four to six weeks. You can check the status of your refund on the IRS website using the "Where's My Refund?" tool.