Gather documents: W-2s, 1099s, interest/dividend statements, brokerage/tax forms, receipts for deductions, mortgage/interest statements, childcare/education records, prior-year tax return, and any IRS/State notices
Choose filing method: IRS Free File (if eligible), tax software, or a tax professional
Select tax year and filing status
Report income from all sources (W-2, 1099-INT, 1099-DIV, 1099-B, 1099-R, unemployment, self-employment, rental, other income)
Claim deductions and credits
Decide standard vs itemized deductions
If itemizing, organize: medical expenses, state/local taxes, mortgage interest, charitable contributions, casualty losses (if any), and other eligible items
If self-employed, complete Schedule C and related forms (and estimate quarterly taxes if applicable)
If you have retirement contributions, report on the appropriate forms (e.g., 401(k), IRA)
If you have dependents, enter dependent information and claim eligible credits (e.g., Child Tax Credit, Credit for Other Dependents, dependent care credit)
If you paid education expenses, report eligible education credits (e.g., AOTC, LLC)
If you have health coverage information, complete required ACA-related sections if applicable
Enter tax payments: federal withholding, estimated payments, credits, and any refundable credits
Review for accuracy: names/SSNs, income amounts, deductions/credits, filing status, and bank account details (if e-filing for refund)
Calculate refund or amount due
File federal return electronically (recommended) and pay any balance by the deadline
File state return(s) using your state’s forms/software and pay any state tax due
Save copies of the filed returns and supporting documents
If you owe and can’t pay in full, consider an IRS payment plan or other options provided by the IRS
If you need to correct a return, file an amended return (federal Form 1040-X and state amendment if required)