Gather your tax forms (mainly the W-2 from each job), pick a free filing option, enter the numbers it asks for, and submit before the April deadline. If too much tax was withheld during the year, you get a refund. Many young filers can do it free in under an hour.
What you'll need
- W-2 from each employer (they send it by late January).
- 1099 forms if you did gig/freelance work or earned interest.
- Your Social Security number.
- Last year's return, if you have one.
- A bank account number for direct-deposit of any refund.
Decode the form
- W-2 — your employer's summary of what you earned and what taxes were already withheld.
- Withholding — tax taken out of each paycheck during the year.
- Refund — money back because you overpaid through withholding.
- Standard deduction — a chunk of income that isn't taxed; most new filers just take it.
How to actually file
You don't need to pay for this. Look for the IRS Free File program and other free options for simple returns. The software asks plain questions, you type in the boxes from your W-2, and it does the math. File electronically and choose direct deposit to get any refund fastest.
Federal taxes are generally due in mid-April. If you'll owe and can't pay, still file on time and set up a payment plan — the penalty for not filing is worse than for not paying.
Common questions
Do I even have to file?
If you earned over a certain amount, yes. Even below it, file anyway if taxes were withheld — that's how you get your refund.
W-2 vs. 1099?
A W-2 is for employees (taxes withheld for you). A 1099 is for gig/freelance income (taxes usually aren't withheld, so set some aside).
Should I pay someone?
For a simple W-2 return, free software is plenty. Consider a pro once your taxes get complicated (a business, lots of investments, etc.).