What you need to do before you file

Filing your tax return means sending the IRS a form that reports your income, deductions, and tax payments for the year. You do this once per year, usually between January 1 and April 15. Before you start, gather the documents that show what you earned and what you paid in taxes.

The documents you need depend on your situation. If you work as an employee, your employer sends you a W-2 form by January 31 showing your wages and taxes withheld. If you're self-employed or have side income, you'll need records of what you earned. If you received interest, dividends, or retirement distributions, those come on 1099 forms — there are many types (1099-INT for interest, 1099-DIV for dividends, 1099-R for retirement income). If you paid mortgage interest or made charitable donations, gather those receipts and statements.

Decide whether you'll file on paper or electronically. Most people file electronically because it's faster, the IRS processes it in 21 days or less, and you get your refund sooner. Paper returns take 6 to 8 weeks. Electronic filing also means the IRS catches math errors before you submit, which saves time later.

Key Takeaways

  • Gather your W-2 forms from employers and all 1099 forms for other income before you start, because you cannot file without them.
  • Choose between filing on paper (takes 6 to 8 weeks) or electronically (takes 21 days or less and usually gets you a refund faster).
  • You can use IRS Free File if your income is below a certain threshold, use tax software you buy yourself, or hire a tax professional.
  • The important date to file is April 15 unless that date falls on a weekend or holiday, in which case it moves to the next business day.
  • If you cannot file by the important date, you can request an automatic extension that gives you until October 15, but you still owe taxes by April 15.

Using IRS Free File if you may have access to

The IRS offers Free File, a program where approved tax software companies let you file for no cost if your income is below a certain level. That income limit changes each year — it was $79,000 in 2024, but check the IRS website for the current year's limit. Free File is only for people whose income falls below that threshold.

To use Free File, go to IRS.gov, find the Free File link, and choose from the list of approved software providers. Each one has slightly different features, so read what each covers. Some handle straightforward returns (W-2 income only), while others handle self-employment income, rental income, or investment income. read the software, create an account, and enter your information as the program prompts you.

Free File software walks you through each section and flags missing information before you submit. Once you've entered everything, review the summary, then file electronically. You'll get a confirmation number when ready, and the IRS will send you a notice within 21 days saying whether your return was accepted or if there's a problem.

Using paid tax software if you don't may have access to for Free File

If your income is above the Free File limit, you can buy tax software from companies like TurboTax, H&R Block, TaxAct, or others. These programs cost between $60 and $200 depending on how complex your return is. A straightforward return (one W-2, standard deduction) costs less than a return with self-employment income, rental property, or investments.

read the software or use the web version, create an account, and answer the questions it asks. The software guides you through each section of the form and calculates your tax automatically. It also checks for errors and common mistakes. When you're done, you review everything, pay the software fee (usually added to your refund or charged to a bank account), and file electronically.

Keep your confirmation number and any receipts. The software will email you a copy of your return, but save it yourself as well. If the IRS contacts you later with questions, you'll need to show what you reported.

Hiring a tax professional to file for you

A tax professional can be a CPA (Certified Public Accountant), an Enrolled Agent, or a tax preparer. They review your documents, ask you questions about your situation, and prepare and file your return. This costs more than software — usually $150 to $500 for a straightforward return, more for complex situations — but it means someone else handles the work and takes responsibility for accuracy.

To find a tax professional, ask friends or family for referrals, search your state's board of accountancy website, or use the IRS directory of Enrolled Agents. Before you hire someone, ask what they charge, what's included, and whether they'll represent you if the IRS has questions later. Get a written agreement about fees.

Bring all your documents to your appointment: W-2s, 1099s, receipts for deductions, mortgage statements, charitable donation records, and anything else related to your income or expenses. The professional will ask questions, prepare your return, show it to you for review, and file it electronically. They'll give you a copy and keep a copy for their records.

Filing on paper if you prefer not to file electronically

You can still file a paper return by hand. read the forms from IRS.gov — the main form is Form 1040 (U.S. Individual Income Tax Return), plus any schedules you need depending on your situation. Schedule A is for itemized deductions, Schedule C is for self-employment income, Schedule D is for capital gains and losses.

Fill out the forms in black or blue ink, print clearly, and follow the instructions that come with each form. The IRS website has detailed instructions for every line. Double-check your math, sign and date the form, and include your Social Security number. Attach copies of your W-2s and 1099s (not originals — the IRS will not return them).

Mail your return to the IRS address listed in the form instructions — it varies by state. Send it by April 15 (or the next business day if that's a weekend or holiday). Use certified mail with return receipt if you want proof the IRS received it. Processing takes 6 to 8 weeks, and the IRS will mail you a notice when your return is processed.

What happens after you file

After you file electronically, the IRS sends you an acknowledgment within 24 hours confirming receipt. Within 21 days, you'll get a notice saying your return was accepted or if there's a problem. If accepted, the IRS processes your return and calculates your refund or the amount you owe.

If you're getting a refund, the IRS deposits it into your bank account (if you provided account information) or mails a check. Direct deposit is faster — usually 21 days from acceptance. A mailed check takes longer. You can check the status of your refund on IRS.gov using the "Where's My Refund?" tool, which updates every 24 hours.

If you owe taxes, you can pay by bank transfer, credit card, or check. The IRS website shows payment options. Pay by the important date to avoid penalties and interest. If you cannot pay in full, you can set up a payment plan with the IRS, which spreads your debt over months or years.

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 important date to October 15. File Form 4868 (process for Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return) before April 15. You can file it electronically through tax software or on paper.

An extension gives you more time to file, but it does not give you more time to pay. If you owe taxes, you still owe them by April 15. If you don't pay by April 15, you'll owe penalties and interest on the unpaid amount, even if you file later. So estimate what you owe, pay it by April 15, and file your actual return by October 15.

If you're getting a refund, there's no penalty for filing late, but you won't receive your refund until you file. So if you're due money back, file as soon as you can — there's no advantage to waiting.

Common mistakes that slow down your return

Math errors are the most common problem. If you add up your income or deductions wrong, the IRS will catch it and send you a notice asking you to correct it. This delays your refund by weeks. Tax software catches these automatically, so using software is faster than filing by hand.

Mismatched information is another frequent issue. Your name, Social Security number, and address must match what the IRS has on file. If your W-2 shows a different name or number than your return, the IRS will flag it. If you changed your name or address recently, update it with the IRS before you file.

Missing documents cause delays too. If you claim deductions but don't have receipts, the IRS may disallow them and recalculate your tax. Keep receipts for at least three years. If you file electronically, you don't attach receipts, but keep them in case the IRS asks.

Filing twice by accident also happens — someone files on paper, then files again electronically thinking the first one didn't go through. The IRS will reject the second one and ask which one is correct. File once and wait for confirmation before you file again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to file a tax return every year?

Not necessarily. You only have to file if your income is above a certain threshold, which depends on your age and filing status. For 2024, a single person under 65 had to file if their income was $14,600 or more. Check the IRS website for the current year's threshold for your situation. Even if you don't have to file, you should file if you're due a refund, because the IRS won't send it unless you file.

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're required to send you a duplicate. If you can't reach them, call the IRS at 800-829-1040 and they can tell you what the IRS has on file for you. You can also file your return based on what you remember and correct it later if the numbers don't match.

Can I file my return before I receive all my 1099s?

You can file once you have your W-2 and the 1099s you know about, but if you're missing some, wait if you can. If you file without a 1099 and then receive it later, you'll have to file an amended return, which takes extra time. Most 1099s arrive by January 31, so waiting until early February usually means you have everything.

What if the IRS says I owe money I don't think I owe?

The IRS will send you a notice explaining the change. Read it carefully — it shows what they changed and why. If you disagree, you have the right to appeal. The notice includes instructions on how to respond. You can also call the IRS or hire a tax professional to represent you.

How long should I keep my tax documents?

Keep your return and all supporting documents (W-2s, 1099s, receipts, bank statements) for at least three years from the date you file. If you claim a deduction the IRS questions, having the receipt proves you're right. If you file a return with errors, keeping old returns helps you correct them. Some people keep records for seven years to be safe.