Collect Social Security numbers for yourself, spouse, and all dependents
If you don't have an SSN, file Form W-7 to apply for an ITIN. Processing takes 7-11 weeks, so apply well before the April 15 deadline.
Confirm your filing status: Single, Married Filing Jointly, Married Filing Separately, Head of Household, or Qualifying Surviving Spouse
Head of Household status requires you to be unmarried, pay more than 50% of household costs, and have a qualifying dependent. It gives a higher standard deduction of $22,500 for 2025.
Locate last year's tax return for reference
Your prior-year AGI is required to e-file. If you can't find it, use the IRS Get Transcript tool at irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript to pull your records.
Gather bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit
The IRS can split your refund across up to 3 accounts using Form 8888. Direct deposit refunds arrive in 21 days or less for e-filed returns.
Collect Income Documents
Collect all W-2 forms from employers
Employers must mail W-2s by January 31. If you haven't received yours by mid-February, contact your employer directly. You can also pull wage data from the IRS after February 15.
Gather 1099-NEC and 1099-MISC forms for freelance or contract income
Even if you don't receive a 1099, you must report all income over $400 from self-employment. The IRS receives copies of these forms and cross-checks them against your return.
Collect 1099-INT and 1099-DIV forms for interest and dividend income
Banks issue 1099-INT for interest over $10. Qualified dividends are taxed at 0%, 15%, or 20% depending on your income bracket, while ordinary dividends are taxed at your regular rate.
Gather 1099-B forms for stock and investment sales
Your brokerage should provide cost basis information on Form 1099-B. If cost basis is missing, you must calculate it yourself or risk paying taxes on the full sale price.
Collect 1099-R forms for retirement distributions
Box 7 of Form 1099-R contains the distribution code. Code 1 means early distribution with a 10% penalty if you're under 59½. Code 7 is a normal distribution with no penalty.
Gather SSA-1099 for Social Security benefits received
Up to 85% of your Social Security benefits may be taxable if your combined income exceeds $34,000 (single) or $44,000 (married filing jointly).
Determine Deductions
Compare standard deduction vs. itemized deductions to pick the higher amount
The 2025 standard deduction is $15,000 for single filers, $30,000 for married filing jointly, and $22,500 for head of household. Only itemize if your total deductions exceed these amounts.
If itemizing, gather mortgage interest statement (Form 1098)
You can deduct mortgage interest on up to $750,000 of mortgage debt ($375,000 if married filing separately). This limit applies to mortgages taken out after December 15, 2017.
Compile state and local tax (SALT) payments including property taxes
The SALT deduction is capped at $10,000 ($5,000 if married filing separately). This includes state income taxes, local income taxes, and property taxes combined.
Total charitable contributions with receipts or bank statements
Cash donations require a bank record or written receipt. For donations over $250, you need a written acknowledgment from the charity. Non-cash donations over $500 require Form 8283.
Calculate medical expenses exceeding 7.5% of your AGI
Only the portion of medical expenses that exceeds 7.5% of your AGI is deductible. For example, with an AGI of $60,000, only expenses above $4,500 count.
Apply Tax Credits
Determine eligibility for the Child Tax Credit
The Child Tax Credit is $2,000 per qualifying child under 17. Up to $1,700 is refundable. Income phase-out starts at $200,000 (single) or $400,000 (married filing jointly).
Check eligibility for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
The maximum EITC for 2025 is $7,830 with 3+ children. You must have earned income and your investment income must be under $11,600. Filing status cannot be Married Filing Separately.
Review education credits: American Opportunity or Lifetime Learning
The American Opportunity Credit is up to $2,500 per student for the first 4 years of college. The Lifetime Learning Credit is up to $2,000 per return with no limit on years. You can't claim both for the same student.
Check eligibility for the Saver's Credit for retirement contributions
The Saver's Credit is worth up to $1,000 ($2,000 if married filing jointly) for low-to-moderate income taxpayers who contribute to a retirement account. AGI must be under $39,500 (single) or $79,000 (joint).
File and Submit
Choose your filing method: IRS Free File, tax software, or paid preparer
IRS Free File is available for AGI of $84,000 or less. Free File Fillable Forms are available for any income level but provide no guidance. Both are accessible at irs.gov/freefile.
Double-check all entries against source documents
The most common errors are wrong Social Security numbers, incorrect filing status, and math mistakes. E-filing catches math errors automatically, reducing rejection risk by about 20%.
E-file your return and receive confirmation
The IRS processes e-filed returns in about 21 days. Paper returns take 6-8 weeks. You'll receive an acknowledgment within 24-48 hours confirming the IRS accepted your return.
If you owe taxes, submit payment by April 15
You can pay via IRS Direct Pay (free), debit/credit card (processing fee of 1.85%-1.98%), or check mailed with Form 1040-V. Interest accrues at about 8% annually on unpaid balances.
Save a copy of your filed return and all supporting documents for at least 3 years
The IRS has 3 years to audit a return, but 6 years if income is underreported by more than 25%. Keep records for 7 years if you claimed a loss from worthless securities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income threshold for filing a federal tax return?
For the 2024 tax year (filed in 2025), single filers under 65 must file if their gross income exceeds $14,600. Married filing jointly, the threshold is $29,200 if both are under 65. Self-employed individuals must file if they earned $400 or more in net self-employment income, regardless of other income. Tax laws change frequently — verify current rules with the IRS or a tax professional.
When is the federal tax filing deadline?
The standard deadline is April 15th. If April 15th falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline moves to the next business day. Filing Form 4868 grants an automatic 6-month extension to October 15th, but any taxes owed are still due by April 15th — the extension only covers the paperwork, not the payment.
Should I take the standard deduction or itemize?
For 2024, the standard deduction is $14,600 for single filers, $29,200 for married filing jointly, and $21,900 for head of household. Itemizing only saves money if your total deductible expenses (mortgage interest, state/local taxes up to $10,000, charitable donations, medical expenses above 7.5% of AGI) exceed these amounts. About 87% of taxpayers benefit more from the standard deduction. Tax laws change frequently — verify current rules with the IRS or a tax professional.
How long does it take to get a federal tax refund?
E-filed returns with direct deposit typically produce refunds within 21 calendar days. Paper-filed returns take 6-8 weeks or longer during peak season. Returns claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit face a mandatory hold until mid-February by law, regardless of filing date. You can track your refund status at irs.gov/refunds within 24 hours of e-filing.
What happens if I file my federal taxes late?
The failure-to-file penalty is 5% of unpaid taxes per month, capped at 25% of your balance. The failure-to-pay penalty is 0.5% per month, also capped at 25%. If you owe nothing or are due a refund, there is no penalty for filing late — but you have only 3 years from the original due date to claim a refund before it is forfeited permanently.