The FAQs On How To File Taxes As A Beginner (2024)

Trying to figure out how to file your taxes for the first time on your own? Here are some FAQs on how to files taxes as a beginner.

Can you believe that the time in your life has come for you to figure out how to file your own taxes? So many people struggle with this each and every year but the truth of the matter is that it doesn’t have to be that hard. In fact, just having a simple plan in place will ensure that you can easily file your taxes on time and in an efficient manner to get any money owed back to you as quickly as possible.

If you’re ready to file your own taxes, there are a few tips to keep in mind. This post will help to answer some of the most common questions that people have when it comes to riling their own taxes.

How do I file my taxes for free online?

Did you know that there are some states that you can file your state taxes online for free? You’ll have to verify and see if you live in one where this is the truth but it can be a great way to save money and be able to file your state taxes totally free.

If you’re ready to file your taxes online, there are many great online tax resources such as H&R Block that can be a great resource for online tax filings. TurboTax is also another popular choice as well.

Make certain that you research the ones that you’re interested in before making your choice.

Is it better to use TurboTax or H&R Block?

This all depends on what you’re looking for. There are some people that like to file with H&R Block for the sole fact that they also have businesses in town that you can physically go into and ask questions should a problem arise.

Both have been used by millions of people around the world so you just have to choose the one that fits best with what you need.

How do I file my taxes for the first time?

If you’re new to filing your own taxes, welcome! It’s something that you’ll now be doing for the rest of your life. But the good news is that there are plenty of ways to get it done.

You basically really do have three options for filing your own taxes:

  • You can go to the IRS website and file there
  • You can use another online resource to have help with filing
  • You can hire an accountant to help you with the process.

Any of these options are a great choice and is a good way to get your taxes filed in a quick and efficient manner.

Then check with whatever platform you’re using on what documents you need to file your taxes. Typically, you need your W2 and any proof of income.

What happens if I don’t file my taxes?

If you fail to file your taxes, you’re more than likely going to incur a penalty for your costly mistake. This is going to be a percentage and will accrue over time. Once you finally file your taxes, this penalty will be assessed and you’ll either have to pay that penalty off or it will be withheld from your return once you file.

Benefits of Filing Your Taxes Online and On Time

Now that you know some of the main ways that you can file your taxes, let’s talk about some of the benefits of filing your taxes with plenty of time to spare.

  • If you take the time to file your taxes on time, you’re not going to get any sort of penalties. This means that you’ll be in good standing with the IRS
  • You’ll get your refund from them a lot faster as well if you’re able to choose direct deposit for your refund. There’s a good chance that you’ll get it back within a very few short weeks.
    • Those who choose to receive a paper check are slowing down the process and it just tends to take longer overall to get any sort of refund.
  • Also, when you file your taxes online, most companies also do offer you a peace of mind guarantee that they’ll be there to help you should you get audited from the IRS. This is something very important to find out before choosing how to file your taxes.

And once you get the hang of it, you’ll breeze through your tax filings each and every year and find out that there is nothing to worry about at all!

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The FAQs On How To File Taxes As A Beginner (2024)

FAQs

How to file taxes for the first time by yourself? ›

How to File Your Taxes for the First Time
  1. Determine whether you're required to file.
  2. See if you qualify for tax deductions or credits.
  3. Gather your documentation.
  4. Get help.
  5. Safeguard against identity theft.
  6. Double check your return.
  7. File your tax return.
  8. Use direct deposit if you're due a refund.
Jan 12, 2023

What is the simplest way to do your tax return? ›

File your taxes
  1. Use IRS Free File. Almost everyone can file electronically for free on IRS.gov or with the IRS2Go app. ...
  2. Use the VITA Locator Tool. ...
  3. Find a tax professional. ...
  4. Use the Interactive Tax Assistant (ITA)
Jul 2, 2024

What are 3 basic ways to file your taxes? ›

There are three main ways to file taxes:
  • Fill out IRS Form 1040 by hand and mail it (not recommended),
  • File taxes online using tax software, or.
  • Hire a human tax preparer to do the work of tax filing.
Apr 19, 2024

How do taxes work for dummies? ›

Simply put, taxes are the sum of money paid to the government to collectively fund spending towards public goods and services. Taxes are used to fund things like schools, roads, and various public programs, such as Social Security and Medicare.

Is filing your taxes by yourself hard? ›

Although the United States tax code is a complex one, it's not difficult to do your taxes on your own. That is, as long as you use a quality software solution to guide you through the process. Consider signing up for TurboTax, H&R Block or another leading software solution now to get started.

What is the least amount of income to file taxes? ›

If you were under 65 at the end of 2023
If your filing status is:File a tax return if your gross income is:
Single$13,850 or more
Head of household$20,800 or more
Married filing jointly$27,700 or more (both spouses under 65) $29,200 or more (one spouse under 65)
Married filing separately$5 or more
1 more row
5 days ago

What is the simplest form to use when filing your tax return? ›

The 1040EZ is a simplified form used by the IRS for income taxpayers that do not require the complexity of the full 1040 tax form. Simply select your tax filing status and enter a few other details to estimate your total taxes.

What is a tax loophole? ›

A provision in the laws governing taxation that allows people to reduce their taxes. The term has the connotation of an unintentional omission or obscurity in the law that allows the reduction of tax liability to a point below that intended by the framers of the law.

What disqualifies you from a simple tax return? ›

Here are some scenarios where you won't qualify for a simple tax return: You're self-employed or a freelancer (1099 tax forms) You're a small business owner. You earn rental income.

How do I get the most tax refund? ›

4 ways to increase your tax refund come tax time
  1. Consider your filing status. Believe it or not, your filing status can significantly impact your tax liability. ...
  2. Explore tax credits. Tax credits are a valuable source of tax savings. ...
  3. Make use of tax deductions. ...
  4. Take year-end tax moves.

What is the safest way to file taxes? ›

Use IRS Direct File

You must also have a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number and a valid state ID or passport. You can use Direct File to claim the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit, but not other credits.

What is the biggest mistake you can make concerning your taxes? ›

Filing too early.

While taxpayers should not file late, they also should not file prematurely. People who don't wait to file before they receive all the proper tax reporting documents risk making a mistake that may lead to a processing delay.

What is the best option for filing taxes? ›

  • Best tax software for most people. TurboTax. ...
  • Best free online tax filing experience. H&R Block. ...
  • Best free to low-cost tax filing option. FreeTaxUSA. ...
  • A free option that's best for confident filers. Cash App Taxes. ...
  • Best for freelancers and gig workers. TaxSlayer. ...
  • Best accuracy guarantee. TaxAct. ...
  • Best for multiple state returns.
Jun 14, 2024

What do I need to start filing taxes? ›

What documents do I need to file my taxes?
  1. Social Security documents.
  2. Income statements such as W-2s and MISC-1099s.
  3. Tax forms that report other types of income, such as Schedule K-1 for trusts, partnership and S corporations.
  4. Tax deduction records.
  5. Expense receipts.
May 3, 2024

Can I file my tax return by myself? ›

“Free File”: If your adjusted gross income—this is a specific tax term which basically means your gross income minus certain tax deductions—is less than a certain limit, the IRS has free tax prep software that can make preparing your tax return easier with features that can help you figure out any deductions or credits ...

How should I file my taxes if I am single? ›

Single IRS Tax Return Filing Status. Single is the basic filing status for unmarried people who do not qualify to file as head of household. If you were not married on the last day of the tax year and you do not qualify to use any other filing status, then you must file your tax return as single.

How much do you have to make to file taxes for the first-time? ›

If you were under 65 at the end of 2023
If your filing status is:File a tax return if your gross income is:
Single$13,850 or more
Head of household$20,800 or more
Married filing jointly$27,700 or more (both spouses under 65) $29,200 or more (one spouse under 65)
Married filing separately$5 or more
1 more row
5 days ago

How do I file my self employment taxes for the first-time? ›

At its most basic, here is how to file self-employment taxes ste -by step.
  1. Calculate your income and expenses. That is a list of the money you've made, less the amount you've spent. ...
  2. Determine if you have a net profit or loss.
  3. Fill out an information return. ...
  4. Fill out a 1040 and other self-employment tax forms.

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