What You Need To Do To File a Tax Return

Filing a tax return means sending the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) a form that reports your income, deductions, and tax payments for the year. You file once per year, usually by April 15. The IRS uses your return to calculate whether you owe more tax, get a refund, or have paid the right amount.

You file by submitting either a paper form or an electronic return through tax software or a tax preparer. Most people file electronically because it is faster and the IRS processes it more quickly. The form you use depends on your income level, filing status, and whether you have dependents or investment income.

If you earned any income during the year — from a job, self-employment, investments, or benefits — you likely need to file. Some people with very low income do not have to file, but filing can still get you a refund of taxes withheld from paychecks or a refund of tax credits you are may have access to to.

Key Takeaways

  • You file a tax return once per year by April 15 to report your income and receive a refund or pay any taxes owed.
  • The IRS provides free filing software for people earning under a certain income threshold, and many nonprofits offer free tax preparation help.
  • You will need documents like W-2 forms from employers, 1099 forms for self-employment or investment income, and receipts for deductions you claim.
  • Filing electronically is faster than mailing a paper return, and the IRS will tell you within 21 days whether your return was accepted.
  • If you cannot file by April 15, you can request an extension that gives you until October 15, but taxes owed are still due by April 15.

Documents You Need Before You Start

Gather these documents before you begin filing. If you worked for an employer, you will receive a W-2 form by January 31 showing your wages and taxes withheld. If you are self-employed or did freelance work, you will receive 1099 forms from clients who paid you $600 or more. If you earned interest or dividends, you will receive 1099-INT or 1099-DIV forms.

If you received unemployment benefits, student loan interest payments, or Social Security, you will receive forms for those as well. Keep all of these forms together in one place. You do not mail them with your return, but you need them to fill out the form accurately, and the IRS has copies.

If you plan to claim deductions, gather receipts or records for mortgage interest, property taxes, charitable donations, medical expenses, or business expenses. If you have dependents, you will need their Social Security numbers. If you received tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credit, gather documents that prove your income and family situation.

Choosing How To File: Software, Preparer, or Paper

You have three main routes: file yourself using tax software, pay a tax preparer, or file a paper form by mail.

Free tax software: The IRS maintains a list of companies that offer free filing software to people earning under a certain income threshold (this threshold changes yearly). You download the software, enter your information, and file electronically. This is the fastest and cheapest option if you are within the income limit. Visit IRS.gov and search "Free File" to see which companies participate and whether you may have access to.

Paid tax software: If you earn above the free threshold or want more features, you can buy tax software from companies like TurboTax, H&R Block, or TaxAct. These range from $60 to $200 depending on the complexity of your return. You still file electronically.

Tax preparers: A tax preparer — either a CPA, enrolled agent, or tax professional — will gather your documents, fill out your return, and file it for you. This costs more (typically $150 to $500 or more) but is useful if your situation is complex or you do not want to do it yourself. Many nonprofits and community centers offer free tax preparation for low-income households through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Search "VITA near me" or call 211 to find a free preparer in your area.

Paper filing: You can print the form, fill it out by hand, and mail it to the IRS address listed in the form instructions. This is slowest — processing takes weeks or months — and you cannot track whether the IRS received it as easily. Most people do not choose this route.

Step-by-Step Filing Process

If you are using tax software or a preparer, the process is similar. You will enter your personal information (name, address, Social Security number), filing status (single, married, head of household), and dependent information. Then you will enter income from all sources — wages from the W-2, self-employment income from 1099 forms, interest, dividends, and any other income.

Next, you will choose whether to take the standard deduction or itemize deductions. Most people take the standard deduction because it is simpler and results in a larger deduction. If you own a home with a mortgage, paid significant property taxes, or made large charitable donations, itemizing might save you more money. The software will calculate both and show you which is better.

Then you will claim any tax credits you are may have access to to. Common credits include the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Child Tax Credit, education credits, and child care credits. The software will ask questions to determine which credits you can claim. After that, the software calculates your total tax, subtracts what you already paid through withholding or estimated tax payments, and shows you whether you owe or get a refund.

Review the return carefully before submitting. Check that all income is reported, dependents are listed correctly, and your address is current. Then file electronically. The IRS will send you a confirmation number. Keep this number and your filed return for your records.

What Happens After You File

If you file electronically, the IRS will tell you within 21 days whether your return was accepted. You can check the status on IRS.gov using "Where's My Refund?" — you will need your Social Security number, filing status, and the refund amount. If there are problems with your return, the IRS will mail you a letter explaining what is wrong.

If you are getting a refund, it typically arrives within 21 days of acceptance if you chose direct deposit to your bank account. Paper checks take longer — usually four to six weeks. If you owe taxes, you can pay online through IRS.gov, by phone, or by mail. If you cannot pay in full, the IRS offers payment plans.

Keep a copy of your filed return and all supporting documents for at least three years. The IRS can audit your return during that time and ask you to prove the income and deductions you reported.

Filing Extensions and Late Filing

If you cannot file by April 15, you can request an extension that moves your deadline to October 15. File Form 4868 with the IRS before April 15 to request the extension. An extension gives you more time to file, but it does not give you more time to pay taxes owed. If you owe taxes, they are still due by April 15, and you will owe interest and penalties on unpaid amounts after that date.

If you file late without requesting an extension, you will owe a failure-to-file penalty on top of any taxes owed. If you are getting a refund, there is no penalty for filing late, but you will not receive your refund until you file.

Free and Low-Cost Filing Help

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax preparation at community centers, libraries, and nonprofits. Search "VITA near me" on IRS.gov or call 211 to find a location. VITA serves people earning under a certain threshold (this changes yearly) and can handle returns of moderate complexity.

Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) offers free tax help specifically for people age 60 and older. Call 211 or search IRS.gov for a location near you.

Many libraries and community colleges also offer free tax software access or tax preparation workshops during tax season. Call your local library to ask what is available.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

If your income is below the filing threshold for your age and filing status, you do not have to file. However, if taxes were withheld from your paychecks or you are may have access to to the Earned Income Tax Credit, filing gets you a refund. The threshold changes yearly — check IRS.gov for the current year's limits based on your age and filing status.

What if I lost my W-2 or 1099 form?

Contact your employer or the company that issued the form and ask for a duplicate. If you cannot get one, you can file your return anyway and note that you did not receive the form. The IRS has a copy and will contact you if there is a discrepancy. Do not guess at the amount.

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

If you are a U.S. citizen or resident alien without a Social Security number, you can apply for one through the Social Security Administration. If you are not may be able to access for a Social Security number, you may be able to use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Contact the IRS or a tax preparer to learn whether you can file.

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 amendment. If the amendment results in a refund, the IRS will process it like a regular refund. If it results in more taxes owed, you will receive a bill.

Do I need to file if I am claimed as a dependent on someone else's return?

It depends on your income. Even if someone claims you as a dependent, you may still need to file if you earned income above the threshold for dependents. Check IRS.gov for the dependent filing threshold for the current year, or ask a tax preparer.