What You Need Before You Begin

Filing a tax return goes much more smoothly when you walk in prepared. Think of it like any form of paperwork: having every document in front of you before you start prevents the frustrating back-and-forth of hunting for numbers mid-process.

What you will need

Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
W-2 form from each employer, or 1099 forms if you did freelance or contract work
Any 1099-INT or 1099-DIV forms for interest or dividend income
Your bank account and routing number (for direct deposit of any refund)
Records of any deductible expenses you plan to claim
Prior year's tax return (if applicable - helpful for comparison)

If you earned income from investments or an IRA during the year, those accounts may generate additional tax forms. For a broader look at how your financial life connects to your tax obligations, the IRS filing hub is a useful reference point.

Step-by-Step: Completing Your First Return

The steps below follow the logical sequence of an actual federal tax return. Work through them in order - each builds on the last. Most people with straightforward situations (one job, no major investments, renting rather than owning) can complete their return in under two hours.

1

Determine whether you're required to file

Not everyone is legally required to file a federal tax return. Whether you must file depends on your gross income (total income before deductions), your filing status, and your age. The IRS updates its income thresholds each year, so check the current IRS Publication 501 to confirm where you stand.

Even if your income falls below the threshold, you may still want to file - for example, to claim a refund of withheld taxes or to qualify for refundable credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit.

Tip: If you had any federal income tax withheld from a paycheck, filing is almost always worth it - you may get that money back as a refund.
2

Gather all your income and tax documents

Before opening any tax software or form, collect every document that reflects income you received during the tax year:

  • W-2: Sent by employers; shows wages earned and taxes already withheld.
  • 1099-NEC / 1099-MISC: Used for freelance, gig, or contract income over $600.
  • 1099-INT / 1099-DIV: Reports interest and dividend income from bank accounts or investments.
  • 1099-G: Reports unemployment compensation, if applicable.

Employers and payers are generally required to send these documents by January 31. If any are missing by mid-February, contact the issuer directly.

Warning: Do not estimate income figures. Using incorrect numbers is a common source of IRS notices and delays. Always use the exact amounts shown on your official tax documents.
3

Choose your filing status

Your filing status affects your tax bracket, standard deduction, and eligibility for certain credits. The five options are: Single, Married Filing Jointly, Married Filing Separately, Head of Household, and Qualifying Surviving Spouse. Most first-time filers who are unmarried will file as Single.

If you support a child or dependent and paid more than half your household costs, you may qualify for Head of Household, which offers a larger standard deduction. The IRS Interactive Tax Assistant tool at IRS.gov can help you confirm the right status.

Tip: Filing status is not a choice you make freely - it must match your actual situation as defined by IRS rules. Using the wrong status can trigger an audit or delay your refund.
4

Decide between the standard deduction and itemizing

A deduction reduces the amount of your income that is subject to tax. You have two options:

  • Standard deduction: A flat amount set by the IRS based on your filing status. For most first-time filers, this is the simpler and more beneficial option.
  • Itemized deductions: You add up qualifying expenses (mortgage interest, state taxes paid, charitable contributions, certain medical costs) and deduct the total - but only if it exceeds the standard deduction.

The vast majority of new filers benefit from taking the standard deduction. See our guide to deductions and credits for first-time taxpayers for a fuller breakdown of what you may be able to claim.

5

Select a filing method and complete your return

You have several ways to file your federal return:

  • IRS Free File: If your adjusted gross income falls below the program threshold, you can file using guided software at no cost through IRS.gov.
  • Tax software: Many commercial platforms offer free tiers for simple returns. They walk you through each question and automatically populate the right forms.
  • Tax professional: A licensed CPA or enrolled agent is helpful if your situation is complex - self-employment income, multiple states, or significant investments.
  • Paper filing: You can download and mail forms, but processing takes significantly longer.

E-filing is the IRS's preferred method and reduces errors. If you're curious about what happens after you submit, our overview of what actually happens when you file explains the process from submission to refund.

Tip: When entering your bank information for direct deposit, double-check your routing and account numbers. An error here is one of the most common reasons refunds are delayed.
6

Review, sign, and submit

Before submitting, carefully review every entry. Confirm that names and Social Security Numbers are spelled correctly, income totals match your documents, and your bank details are accurate. Tax software will typically run a final check for common errors.

Your return must be signed - electronically or by hand - to be valid. An unsigned return is not considered filed. Once submitted, save or print a copy of your completed return and any confirmation number for your records.

The standard federal filing deadline is April 15 most years. If you need more time, you can request a free six-month extension using IRS Form 4868 - but note that an extension to file is not an extension to pay any tax owed. If you expect to owe, estimate and pay by April 15 to minimize interest charges.

Warning: An extension gives you more time to file your paperwork, not more time to pay. If you owe taxes and miss the April deadline without paying, the IRS will charge interest and a late-payment penalty on the outstanding amount.

Keep a copy of every return you file

The IRS recommends retaining copies of your tax returns for at least three years - longer if you have complex situations involving losses or omitted income. Store them somewhere secure, such as a password-protected folder or a fireproof physical file. Your prior-year return is also useful as a reference when filing the following year.

Once you've filed, it's a good time to look at the bigger financial picture. Our first financial check-in walkthrough can help you build on the momentum of getting organized. And if you're thinking longer-term, understanding how retirement accounts interact with your taxes - covered in our IRA walkthrough for beginners - is a natural next step.

This article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute personalized tax, legal, or financial advice. Tax rules change frequently and individual circumstances vary. Consult a qualified tax professional or visit IRS.gov for guidance specific to your situation.