How to File Your Tax Return

Filing taxes might not be the most exciting task on your to-do list, but it doesn’t have to be a daunting task either. Whether you’re filing a simple return with a W-2 or managing freelance income and deductions, understanding your options—from paper forms to e-filing and professional help—can save time, reduce stress, and possibly boost your refund.

Here’s how to file your taxes, whether you choose to do it on paper, with the best tax preparation software, or by hiring someone else.

When Is the 2025 Tax Season?

Tax season for the prior tax year begins in the early months of the following year. For the 2024 tax year, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) began accepting and processing returns on January 27, 2025.

Most taxpayers should receive all the documents and forms required by the end of January so they can file their federal and state income tax returns. Tax returns for the 2024 tax year are due on April 15, 2025. The IRS expects to see more than 140 million individual tax returns filed by that date.

How to Prepare Your Taxes

There are several ways to prepare your taxes. The three main options for tax preparation are hiring a tax professional, using tax software, or filling out the forms yourself.

Do It Yourself on Paper Forms

You can prepare your federal taxes the old-fashioned way, by downloading and printing the forms on the IRS website and mailing the completed return back to the IRS (along with a check if you owe a payment).

Another option is to fill out the forms online and submit the return electronically with a credit card payment. All the federal tax forms can be found using the Forms, Instructions, and Publications Search tool.

State income tax forms are usually on your state’s official website.

There is no charge or fee to file your taxes. Doing it this way can help you learn more about your finances because it forces you to track your transactions, earnings, and spending.

Use Tax Software

An intermediate option between filing your taxes and hiring a professional is to use tax preparation software for your federal and state returns. You input your information, and the software is designed to help you through the process step by step.

The best versions of these programs automatically fill in your previous year’s information, which is convenient and encourages users to stick with the service. Some also offer professional support online, by phone, or both for a fee.

In 2025, the IRS launched IRS Direct File, a free government-run filing tool available in select states. However, its future is uncertain. According to AP News, the program may be cut in 2026, depending on political and budget decisions.

The system is only available to taxpayers in the following states in 2025:

• Alaska
• Arizona
• California
• Connecticut
• Florida
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Kansas
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Carolina
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Washington state
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

Since the system is still in development, eligibility to use the tool depends on the taxpayer’s financial situation. The program does not apply to state income taxes. Click this link to see if you’re eligible to use Direct File.

Hire a Tax Professional

For taxpayers with complicated financial situations or a lack of confidence about financial matters, a tax professional may be a better option. Capable tax professionals can help minimize the amount you owe and maximize the deductions you claim.

What You’ll Need to File

No matter which method you choose to file your taxes, the first step is assembling information. Among other things, you need to document your filing status, taxable income, the amount of tax you’ve already paid, and any deductions and credits for which you may be eligible.

This means you will need to wait to receive all of your W-2s, 1099 forms, and other documentation, typically sent by the end of January, before filing your taxes. Here’s what you’ll need, depending on employment status and other life circumstances:

• Names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers for yourself, your spouse, and any dependents
• Form W-2, which you receive from your employer (if you are an employee). This reports your income and the taxes already paid by your employer on your behalf
• Form 1099-NEC (non-employee compensation), which you should receive if you earned more than $600 working for a non-employer entity, worked a contract job, or had a side gig.
• Form 1099-MISC, which you would receive if you earned more than $600 in other income, including rents, prizes, fishing boat proceeds, or crop insurance payments.
• Form 1099-INT, which you would receive from a bank or other financial institution if you earned more than $10 in interest during the tax year.
• A record of your retirement account contributions

If you plan to itemize deductions, rather than take the standard deduction, these are the records most commonly needed:

• Property taxes and mortgage interest paid. This typically appears on Form 1098, Mortgage Interest Statement, which you will receive from your mortgage lender. If you have no mortgage or do not have an escrow account paying your property taxes, you will need to keep a record of your property tax payments separately.
• State and local taxes you paid. This is on the W-2 form if you work for an employer. If you are an independent contractor, you will need a record of the estimated tax payments you made quarterly throughout the year.
• Charitable donations. Charitable donations are a tax-deductible expense; however, the amount you can claim is limited to a percentage of your adjusted gross income (AGI). 
• Educational expenses. Education expenses are money paid for tuition, fees, and other related expenses for an eligible student.
• Unreimbursed medical bills. For tax year 2023, you can deduct the amount of unreimbursed medical expenses that exceed 7.5% of your AGI.
• Last year’s federal and state tax returns.

How Will I Use This in Real Life?

If you earn income in the U.S., filing a tax return is your legal responsibility—but it’s also a financial opportunity. Filing early can get you a faster refund, reduce the risk of identity theft, and help you plan ahead.

If you’re self-employed, understanding your deductions could mean significant savings. And if you’re a W-2 employee, reviewing your return could reveal whether your withholdings need to be adjusted for the follofwing year.

The Bottom Line

Start gathering your information as soon as you can so that you can file your income taxes as quickly as possible. If you’re owed a refund, you’ll receive it more quickly the sooner you file. And even if you’re not, you will make it less likely that you will be the victim of identity theft, a recurring problem during income tax season. You can figure your taxes on your own, with the help of a tax preparer, or by using software.