How to File Your Taxes
This is the "explain it like I'm in high school" version. No jargon, just the main steps so you know what's going on and what to expect.
✨ Good news: You don't have to know every tax rule. Most people just need to gather the right documents and follow a guided process.
Decide if you need to file
Not everyone is required to file a tax return each year. The rules depend on how much money you made, your age, and your filing status.
If you're unsure, start with:
Do I Need to File Taxes This Year?→Gather your documents
You'll need forms that show how much money you made and certain expenses you paid. Common items:
- 📄W-2s from jobs
- 📄1099 forms for freelance, side gigs, or investment income
- 📄Forms and receipts for deductions and credits
- 🆔Social Security numbers for you, your spouse, and dependents
For a full checklist, see: What Documents Do I Need to File My Taxes?
Choose how you're going to file
You usually have three main options for filing your return:
Online software
Guided questions, good for most people.
Tax professional
A human who does the return for you.
Paper forms
Printing and mailing the forms yourself.
💡 Most common today: Electronic filing because it's faster, usually more accurate, and refunds come quicker.
Answer questions and enter numbers
If you use software, it will ask you questions like:
- ❓Did you work a job? (Enter your W-2 information.)
- ❓Did you have bank interest or investments? (Enter your 1099s.)
- ❓Did you pay for certain things like tuition, childcare, or mortgage interest?
Behind the scenes: The software fills out your main tax form (usually Form 1040) for you automatically.
Review your return
Before you hit "submit," double-check:
- ✓Names and Social Security numbers
- ✓Bank account information (if using direct deposit)
- ✓That all your major income forms are included
Think of this as: Proofreading something important before you send it out.
File electronically or by mail
Once everything looks good, you can file your return:
E-file
Sent digitally to the IRS. Usually fastest for refunds.
Print, sign, and mail the forms to the correct IRS address.
Need help deciding? Should I File Electronically or by Mail?
Track your refund or payment
After filing, you'll either get a refund or owe a balance:
If you're due a refund
Track it using the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool.
If you owe
Pay online by bank transfer, card, or payment plan.
That's the big picture! 🎉
You now know the main steps. Most people find that filing taxes is less scary once they understand the process.
Want more detail? Check out our related guides:
Ready to estimate your refund?
Use our free calculator to see if you'll get money back or owe taxes.
Calculate Your Refund→