Your Step-by-Step Tax Season Guide
Get clarity before you file. Learn what to gather, what applies to you, and how to avoid the mistakes that slow refunds or trigger notices.
Check if You Need to File
Not everyone must file, but most people should, especially if tax was withheld or you qualify for credits.
Review your filing status first, single, married filing jointly, married filing separately, head of household, or qualifying surviving spouse.
Consider your income sources, wages, self-employment, interest and dividends, retirement, unemployment, rental, crypto, stock sales.
If you are self-employed, you generally must file if your net earnings are around 400 USD or more, because of self-employment tax.
If you are claimed as a dependent, your filing rules are different, earned vs unearned income matters.
If you had Marketplace health insurance, Form 1095-A is required to reconcile the Premium Tax Credit, which means you need to file even with low income.
If tax was withheld from your pay or you qualify for refundable credits like Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit, filing can get you money back.
Tip, when in doubt, file a return to reconcile credits and withholdings, especially if you moved states or changed jobs.
Tax season is easier when it’s part of your year-round routine.
With a little planning, organization, and awareness, you can turn filing from a stressful deadline into a confident financial habit.
Gather Your Documents
Create a folder and collect documents before you start. Missing forms are the most common reason for delays.
Income forms
W-2 for wages
1099-NEC for freelance and contractor income
1099-K for payment platforms and online sales
1099-MISC for other income, 1099-INT, 1099-DIV, 1099-B for investments
SSA-1099 for Social Security benefits, 1099-R for pensions and IRA distributions
K-1 if you have partnership, S-corp, or trust income
Adjustments and deductions1098-T tuition, 1098-E student loan interest, 1098 mortgage interest and points
HSA forms 1099-SA and 5498-SA, FSA or dependent care statements
Childcare provider name, address, and EIN or SSN for the Child and Dependent Care Credit
Property tax bills, state and local taxes paid, charitable donation receipts
Medical expenses if you plan to itemize, keep receipts and summaries
Business expenses if self-employed, mileage logs, home office details, equipment and subscriptions
Health coverage1095-A Marketplace, keep the entire form, all pages
1095-B or 1095-C if provided by insurer or employer
Identity and logisticsPrior year return, helps with carryovers and e-file verification
Social Security numbers or ITINs for you and dependents, exact legal names
Bank routing and account number for direct deposit, fastest refund
Pro tip, cross-check your mail and online accounts in January to March. Many brokers and platforms issue corrected forms, download the latest versions before filing.
File with Confidence
Set yourself up for a smooth, accurate filing and a faster refund.
Choose the correct filing status and dependent claims, this affects credits and standard deduction.
Decide standard deduction vs itemizing, itemize only if your deductible expenses are higher than the standard deduction for your status.
Review credits you may qualify for, Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, education credits, Retirement Saver’s Credit, energy credits, Premium Tax Credit reconciliation.
Enter direct deposit for your refund, it is the fastest way to receive funds, you can split a refund across up to three accounts.
E-file if possible, e-filed returns are usually processed faster than paper returns.
Double-check the names, SSNs or ITINs, addresses, and bank numbers, small typos cause big delays.
Make sure every form is included, W-2s and all 1099s, brokerage consolidated statements, K-1s if applicable.
Review sales of investments, match cost basis and holding periods to your broker forms to avoid mismatch notices.
If self-employed, confirm income and expenses are complete and your estimated tax payments are entered so you get credit for them.
Sign the return, e-sign for e-file, both spouses must sign on a joint return.
Save a PDF copy of your filed return and confirmations. Keep tax records at least three years.
After filing, track your refund with the IRS tool, and if you want a different refund result next year, adjust withholding or estimates using the IRS estimator.
Helpful Tools and Insights
Filing Checklist
Refund Tracker
Important Deadlines
Credits & Deductions
Payment Options
Plan for Next Year
Don’t Wait Until April — Be Ready Now
Start early, stay organized, and take control of your tax season. The sooner you prepare, the smoother it gets — and we’re here to make sure you’re confident every step of the way.
Year-Round Tax Tips
Review Your Paycheck Withholding Regularly
Make sure the right amount of tax is being withheld from your paycheck. Use the IRS Withholding Estimator to check if you’re paying too much or too little. Adjusting early can prevent a big balance due or an oversized refund later.
Track Your Expenses and Deductions Monthly
Don’t wait until tax season to hunt for receipts. Keep a simple digital folder or spreadsheet where you log deductible items — charitable donations, business expenses, and education costs. This saves hours later and helps ensure you never miss a deduction you’ve earned.
Mark Quarterly Estimated Tax Deadlines
If you’re self-employed or earn income outside of wages, plan for quarterly estimated payments. The typical deadlines are April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15. Set reminders so you stay current and avoid penalties or interest
Stay Informed About Tax Law Changes
Tax credits and deduction limits can shift every year. Keep an eye on IRS updates or subscribe to reliable newsletters that summarize what’s new.
Maximize Your Retirement and Savings
Contributing to an IRA, 401(k), or HSA can lower your taxable income while building long-term security. Check contribution limits annually and try to contribute steadily throughout the year instead of waiting for last-minute lump sums.
Keep Your Records Organized All Year
Create a “Tax Folder” (digital or physical) and drop in W-2s, 1099s, receipts, and letters as they come in. By tax time, you’ll have everything ready — no more searching for documents or missing forms.
Prepared, Confident, and Always Ahead
Skip the last-minute rush. Use our tools and expert tips to stay one step ahead — because tax season doesn’t have to be stressful.