How to File Taxes

1. Gather All Necessary Paperwork
   You’ll need to ensure you have all of the necessary documents, including W-2s, 1099 forms, mortgage forms, loan interest documents (including any student debt) and any tax-deductible donation receipts. Be sure to gather receipts for other tax-deductible expenditures like childcare and health insurance premiums. For a full list of tax-deductible expenses, visit the IRS’s list of itemized deductions.

2. Set Aside Time the First Week of February
   Your taxes may not be due until April 18, but that is no excuse to procrastinate! You should receive all of your income and investment forms no later than January 31. Getting started on things the first week of February will not only allow you to get a head start, but also serve as a time to double-check that you received all the necessary forms. In case you didn’t, it gives you enough time to contact the involved parties and ensure you get the information you need.

3. Who’s Doing Your Taxes?
   After you’ve organized all your papers and are going through them, it’s time to decide whether you’ll do your taxes with the help of an at-home tax filing software, such as TurboTax, or use an accountant. If you’re thinking of using an accountant, it’s a good time to reach out to friends and family to see if they can recommend a trusted accountant. You’ll need to set up an appointment with the accountant to go over your files.

4. File Your Taxes
   After you’ve done your taxes yourself or met with your accountant, it’s time to submit. The IRS allows tax filing as early as January 23, but it’s likely you won’t have all your information together yet. However, the earlier you can get your taxes in, the earlier you can get your tax refund. If you wait to file closer to the deadline, it may take longer to get your refund since the IRS will be dealing with a large influx of last-minute filers.

Take a look at some of the most popular and well-rated tax-filing software available if you’re planning on doing your own taxes:

• Turbotax
• TaxAct
• H&R Block
• Credit Karma Tax
• TaxSlayer
• Jackson Hewitt Online

Often cheaper than visiting an accountant, these software programs allow you to “plug and chug” — all you have to do is follow the guided software and input your financial answers as you go.

All tax software is designed to help you understand difficult or confusing terms, but should you need extra help or need a question answered, you’ll want the ability to talk with a customer representative. Not all tax software has this kind of support, so make sure to research which offerings have additional help should you need it.

Tip: If you’re self-employed, you must file a Schedule C. Only a small percentage of available tax software programs include Schedule C’s, so check to see if it’s included before you purchase.