Gather documents: W-2s, 1099s, interest/dividend statements, unemployment forms, Social Security statements, brokerage/crypto tax forms, and any other income records
Collect deductions/credits records: mortgage interest, property tax, charitable contributions, student loan interest, HSA contributions/receipts, medical expenses, and business expenses (if any)
Choose a filing method: IRS Free File, commercial tax software, or a tax professional
Choose the correct tax year and filing status
Create/sign in to your tax account (if using software) and enter personal information
Report income from all forms (W-2, 1099, and other statements)
Claim adjustments to income (if applicable) such as IRA/HSA contributions or student loan interest
Claim deductions (standard or itemized) and ensure supporting amounts are entered correctly
Claim tax credits you qualify for (e.g., Child Tax Credit, education credits, retirement savings credit)
Review deductions and credits summary for accuracy
Enter any tax payments already made (withholding, estimated tax payments, refundable credits)
Calculate remaining balance due or refund
If you owe, choose a payment method: IRS Direct Pay, EFTPS, check, or card through approved services
If you’re getting a refund, choose direct deposit and confirm bank routing/account details
Sign and submit the return electronically (e-file)
Pay any balance due by the filing deadline to avoid penalties/interest
Save/print the filed return and keep confirmation of submission
Track the refund status using IRS “Where’s My Refund?” (if applicable)
If you need to correct a submitted return, file an amended return (Form 1040-X)