Doing your tax day paperwork might feel like a lot, but you can handle tax day step by step and avoid common mistakes with this guide on how to file your tax returns, all while making the most of chances to save money.

 

Step 1: Determine the Need for Filing 

Deciding whether you should submit a tax day return this year hinges on various factors such as your earnings, tax filing status, age, and more. It also relies on whether someone else can claim you as a dependent for tax day purposes. Even if it’s not mandatory for you to file tax day, there’s a compelling rationale to consider: You might become eligible for a tax day benefit that could lead to a refund. For instance, individuals with lower incomes might want to explore the earned income tax day credit, which is refundable, while parents with children under 17 might access the partially refundable child tax day credit. Thus, think seriously about filing your tax day if: You had income tax day deducted from your paychecks. You made estimated tax day payments or allocated last year’s refund to this year’s estimated tax day. You meet the criteria for specific tax day credits.

 

Step 2: Choose Your Tax Filing Approach

When it comes to filing your tax day, you’ve got three main routes to pick from:

a. Online Filing with Tax Software

If you’ve used tax software before, you’re in familiar territory. The IRS Free File program offers free online tax day prep software if your 2022 adjusted gross income is $73,000 or less. Everyone, no matter their income, can use the IRS’s free fillable tax day forms online. There are also other free options for military personnel and seniors.

b. Professional Tax Preparer

As your financial situation gets more complex, consider getting a tax day preparer’s help. If you have a business or need assistance with intricate forms, a tax day preparer or CPA can guide you. You can even share documents securely through an online portal.

Your choice depends on your situation and comfort level.

 

Step 3: Grasp the Process of Tax Calculation

The method by which your owed tax day are calculated is established by the government. This involves categorizing your taxable income into sections, commonly referred to as tax day brackets. Each of these sections is then taxed at a specific rate that corresponds to the bracket. Importantly, the key advantage here is that, regardless of your bracket, the assigned tax day rate applies only to the respective income segment.

In the United States, the progressive tax day system prevails, which implies that individuals with higher taxable incomes are subject to elevated federal income tax day rates, while those with lower taxable incomes are subject to comparatively lower federal income tax day rates.

 

Step 4: Gather Your Tax Information

This step is crucial whether you’re self-filing or using a tax day preparer. You’ll need evidence of income, potential deductions, and prior tax day payments. Here’s a condensed checklist:

• Social Security numbers required for both yourself, your spouse, and any dependents you have under your care.
• W-2 form(s) for earnings and taxes paid (multiple if needed).
• 1099 forms for non-employer income.
• Records of retirement contributions.
• Property taxes, mortgage interest.
• Charitable donation proof.
• State, local tax day records.
• Educational expense details.
• Unreimbursed medical bills.
• Previous year’s tax day returns.
• Having these items ready ensures a smooth tax day filing process.

 

Step 5: IRS Settlement and Refunds

If You Owe Taxes:

You can pay the IRS electronically, via wire transfer, cards, checks, or even cash. If paying all at once is tough, consider an IRS payment plan, allowing monthly payments to settle your tax day bill.

If You’re Getting a Tax Refund:

For faster refunds: