A Step-by-Step Guide to Filing Your First Taxes - TheJobNetwork

A Step-by-Step Guide to Filing Your First Taxes - TheJobNetworkTax time can be super overwhelming. How can you possibly figure out what you need to do and somehow manage to pull it off without melting into a pile of despair (or committing some kind of inadvertent fraud?). Its actually fairly simple. Here, well lay out the basic steps so you can file without fear youre missing something important. googletag.cmd.push(function() googletag.display(div-gpt-ad-1467144145037-0) ) 1. Get organized.This is really half the battle. The IRS is all about documents. Once you receive your W2 from your workplace, or your 1099-MISC if youve worked as an independent contractor, be sure to store it somewhere safe and easily accessible. If you get other statements, like savings account interest, student loan interest, or investment income summaries, put those in the saatkorn safe place. You might also have a proof of health insurance or records of contributions to an IRA to add to your pile.2. Determin e if you need to file, and and how.If youre a U.S. citizen and you meet the IRSs filing requirements for income, then yes, you do need to file. Then youll want to figure out what your filing status is. Will you be filing jointly with your spouse or separately? Can you count as head of household? Are you a dependent on someone elses return? Can you claim dependents of your own?3. Ask for help early.If youre at all confused with these early stages, get someone to helpa parent, or a mentor, or a professional. They can help you figure out based on your particulars which form you need to file or whether you are eligible to file electronically.4. Pick a medium.Decide whether you will carry through on your owneither on paper or electronically, alone or with the aid of a software program or professional. If you made less than $52k last year, you qualify to receive free tax help with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program. Check out TaxACT, TurboTax, eSmart Tax, etc. to get a sen se of what they can do for you.5. Deduct expenses.Youll have to figure out whether its best for you to itemize your deductions or claim the voreingestellt deductible. But either way, make sure you dont leave any stone unturned in this department. Write off state and local sales taxes, student loan interest payments, child care credits, job search expenses, charitable contributions, and things like the Earned Income credit.6. Get it done.Dont procrastinate. Its best not to rush, so make sure youve left yourself plenty of time before April 15to get this done right.7. Check your math.If you did it all on your own, make sure to have someone you trust to look over your tax returns before filing. It may even be possible to have a tax attorney do this for you for free.Good luck, and we hope for many happy returns in your future