Did you know that over 66 million Americans filed their taxes online in 2024, with 93% saying their tax software was user-friendly? Many people ask what they need to file taxes – you’re not alone, and the process doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
Tax filing might seem complex, but you can handle it with the right approach. Most Americans must file by April 15, 2025, though you can get an extension until October 15, 2025. The IRS suggests using tax preparation software to e-file. This ensures accurate returns and quick refunds – you’ll typically get your money in less than 21 days with electronic filing and direct deposit. Paper returns take four weeks or more to process.
Here’s a surprising fact: more than 100 million Americans can file their taxes for free and keep their entire refund. On top of that, the IRS’s new Direct File system lets people in over 20 states file at no cost. This could save you substantially compared to the average $180 fee for federal/state tax preparation.
You might wonder if filing is worth your time. The maximum Earned Income Tax Credit reaches up to $7,830 for those with three or more qualifying children. The Child Tax Credit adds up to $2,000 per qualifying child. These benefits make tax filing worthwhile, even if your income falls below the standard deduction threshold ($14,600 for single filers, $29,200 for married filing jointly).
This complete guide walks you through everything needed to file your 2025 taxes, from figuring out if you need to file to tracking your refund.
Check If You Need to File Taxes in 2025
Let’s figure out if you need to file taxes before getting started with the process. Your income, age, and filing status determine your filing requirements. Here’s what you should know.
Minimum income to file taxes for 2024
The IRS bases your filing requirement on your 2024 income, even though you’ll submit your return in 2025. These income thresholds determine if you must file:
Filing Status Requirements (Under age 65):
- Single: $14,600
- Head of household: $21,900
- Married filing jointly: $29,200
- Married filing separately: $5 (whatever the income)
- Qualifying surviving spouse: $29,200
Filing Status Requirements (Age 65 or older):
- Single: $16,550
- Head of household: $23,850
- Married filing jointly (one spouse 65+): $30,750
- Married filing jointly (both 65+): $32,300
- Qualifying surviving spouse: $30,750
These simple thresholds aren’t the only factors. You must file if you earned $400 or more from self-employment, owe taxes on retirement distributions, or received health insurance marketplace premium tax credits.
Who should file even if not required
Filing taxes might benefit you financially even if you’re below the threshold. You should consider filing if:
- Your employer withheld federal income tax from your paycheck – you might get a refund
- You qualify for refundable tax credits such as:
- Earned Income Tax Credit (up to $8,046 for families with three or more qualifying children in 2025)
- Additional Child Tax Credit
- American Opportunity education credit (up to $2,500 per eligible student with 40% potentially refundable)
- Premium Tax Credit for health insurance
You should also file if you made estimated tax payments during 2024 or applied last year’s refund to this year’s taxes.
When can I file my taxes for 2025
The IRS usually starts accepting tax returns in late January. The agency expects more than 140 million individual tax returns for tax year 2024.
Here are the key dates you need to know:
- Standard filing deadline: April 15, 2025
- Extension deadline: October 15, 2025 (you must file Form 4868 by April 15)
Keep in mind that an extension gives you more time to file, not more time to pay taxes owed. You should estimate and pay any taxes due by April to avoid penalties.
Make sure you have all your tax documents like W-2s and 1099s ready. This helps prevent any processing delays that could happen without complete information.
Gather the Documents You’ll Need
Tax filing becomes easier when you have all the right documents ready before you start. My experience shows that getting everything together early helps avoid last-minute rush and maximizes your deductions and credits.
What forms do I need to file my taxes
Your personal situation determines which tax forms you need, but most people should start with these basic forms:
- Form 1040 – This is the standard federal income tax form most individuals use
- Schedule 1-3 – Additional forms for reporting income adjustments, credits, or other taxes
- Schedule A – For itemizing deductions instead of taking the standard deduction
- Schedule B – Required if you have over $1,500 in interest or dividend income
- Schedule C – For reporting self-employment or business income
- Schedule D – For reporting capital gains and losses
People with children, investments, or education expenses might also need Schedule EIC (Earned Income Credit), Form 8949 (Sales of Capital Assets), or Form 8863 (Education Credits).
What documents do I need to file my taxes
Your tax filing will go smoothly when you gather these personal documents:
Income Documentation:
- W-2 forms from all employers
- 1099 forms (1099-NEC for contract work, 1099-INT for interest, 1099-DIV for dividends)
- Unemployment compensation statements
- Social Security benefit statements
Deduction & Credit Support:
- Mortgage interest statements (Form 1098)
- Property tax records
- Medical expense receipts
- Charitable donation receipts
- Education expense records (Form 1098-T)
- Child care provider information
- Retirement account contribution records
Personal Information:
- Social Security numbers for yourself, spouse, and dependents
- Prior year’s tax return
- Banking information for direct deposit
Organizing your tax paperwork
Good organization plays a vital role in tax preparation. Start by creating a dedicated folder (physical or digital) for your tax documents as they arrive. Group your paperwork into simple categories like “Income,” “Deductions,” and “Credits.”
A tax preparation checklist helps track received documents against expected ones. Many tax software programs give these checklists as free downloads.
Scanning receipts and smaller documents with clear file names that include dates and purposes makes sense. This simple step helps you find supporting documentation quickly if questions come up during preparation or after filing.
Setting up a reliable system works best for your records – maybe a filing cabinet with yearly tax folders or a secure cloud storage solution. This approach keeps your records handy for seven years, which helps if the IRS asks questions about your previous returns.
Choose How to File Your Taxes
You’ve got your tax documents ready. Now comes the decision about how to file your return. Let me show you the options to help you pick what works best for you.
How to do taxes yourself step by step
Filing your own taxes usually goes like this:
- Choose your filing method (software, free options, or paper forms)
- Enter your personal information and income details
- Identify applicable deductions and credits
- Really check your return for accuracy
- Submit electronically or mail paper forms
- Keep copies of all documents for your records
DIY filing makes sense for simple tax situations—especially if you’re taking the standard deduction ($14,600 for single filers). People with straightforward returns (W-2 income, bank accounts, and some 1099s) can complete their return quickly using simple software.
Using tax software vs. hiring a pro
Tax software works best when:
- You opt for the standard deduction instead of itemizing
- You earn only employment income (W-2)
- You invest only in traditional assets like stocks and bonds
- You’ve lived in only one state all year
You might want to think about getting a professional if:
- You itemize deductions
- You have multiple income sources (1099 income, multiple jobs)
- You’re self-employed or own a business
- You earn income in multiple states
The cost difference is big—tax software typically ranges from $0-$179, while CPA preparation costs around $273 on average. A tax professional might spot deductions and credits you’d miss, potentially saving you more than their fee.
Free filing options from the IRS
The IRS offers several no-cost filing options:
IRS Direct File – Available in 25 states for 2025, allows qualifying taxpayers to file directly with the IRS online for free. Income limitations apply, and you must have relatively simple tax situations.
IRS Free File – Available to taxpayers with adjusted gross income of $84,000 or less in 2024. This program partners with tax software companies to provide guided preparation at no cost. All but one of these Americans qualify, yet less than 5% used this service.
VITA/TCE Programs – Provide free in-person tax preparation for those who earn $67,000 or less, have disabilities, need language support, or are 60+ years old.
MilTax – Free tax preparation service specifically for military members, veterans, and their families.
Filing electronically with direct deposit remains the quickest way to get any refund you’re entitled to.
Complete and Submit Your Tax Return
The final steps of tax filing begin after you’ve prepared your tax information. This guide will help you complete and submit your return while meeting all requirements and deadlines.
How to file tax return online or by mail
Tax filing works best electronically. The IRS expects more than 140 million individual tax returns for tax year 2024. Tax software makes e-filing a smart choice because it handles calculations, spots common mistakes, and reminds you about missing information. More importantly, most e-filed returns with direct deposit take just 21 days to process.
Paper filing requires more patience. The IRS takes 4-8 weeks to process paper returns, which makes electronic submission the better option. Your paper returns need proper addressing with enough postage and must be postmarked by the deadline.
Filing deadlines and extension rules
Your federal tax return for 2024 must reach the IRS by April 15, 2025. You should request an extension by this date if you need extra time. The IRS allows until October 15, 2025 to submit your complete return with an approved extension.
Note that getting more time to file doesn’t mean more time to pay your taxes. Any taxes you owe must be paid by April 15 to avoid penalties and interest. Missing this deadline leads to penalties if you have an outstanding tax balance.
How to pay taxes or get a refund
The IRS provides several payment options:
- IRS website payments (Direct Pay)
- Direct debit from your bank account
- Credit/debit card payments
- Check or money order by mail
The IRS helps people who can’t pay everything at once. Short-term plans lasting 180 days or less work for amounts under $100,000, while long-term monthly payment plans suit amounts under $50,000.
E-filing with direct deposit gets your refund fastest. Most electronic filers see their refunds within 21 days. You can track your refund through the “Where’s My Refund?” tool on IRS.gov or the IRS2Go app.
Track Your Refund and Plan Ahead
Tax season doesn’t end with your return submission. The waiting begins right after. The IRS gives you tools to track your refund and get it faster, which helps you plan for upcoming tax seasons.
How to track your tax refund
The IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool is the quickest way to check your refund status. You can access this free tool on IRS.gov or through the IRS2Go mobile app. You’ll need these details:
- Your Social Security number or ITIN
- Your filing status
- The exact refund amount from your return
The system updates every 24 hours during overnight processing, so multiple daily checks won’t help. You’ll see one of three statuses: Return Received, Refund Approved, or Refund Sent.
E-filed returns show up in the system within 24 hours. Paper returns take about four weeks to appear. Submitting your return again won’t make processing faster and could delay your refund.
Setting up direct deposit
Direct deposit gets your refund fastest. Eight out of ten taxpayers pick this option. E-filing combined with direct deposit delivers refunds quickly. Here’s how to set it up:
- Enter your bank routing and account numbers during the filing process
- Double-check these numbers for accuracy
- Verify your account accepts direct deposits
This method gives you clear benefits: your checks can’t get lost or stolen, processing happens faster (most refunds arrive in less than 21 days), and it saves money (paper checks cost $1 versus 10¢ for direct deposits). Many reloadable prepaid cards and mobile apps can also receive tax refunds.
Be ready for next year’s taxes
Your tax planning should start now to make next year easier. Look at this year’s outcome—a large refund might mean you should adjust your withholding to get bigger paychecks.
Organizing documents year-round beats rushing at the last minute. Make folders for tax-deductible expenses such as charitable gifts, property taxes, and medical costs. Families should save receipts for child-related expenses that could qualify for credits.
Landlords need detailed records of rental expenses including insurance, management fees, HOA costs, utilities, and repairs. This comprehensive approach helps you remember deductions and reduces tax season stress.
Tax filing doesn’t need to be as stressful as most people think. This piece covers everything you need to know about filing taxes – from figuring out if you need to file to planning ahead for next year.
Your tax filing experience starts when you understand the filing requirements based on your income, status, and situation. After you determine that you need to file (or realize filing will benefit you financially), collecting the right documents becomes key to a smooth process.
The way you file – whether you use tax software, free IRS programs, or work with a professional – depends on how comfortable you feel with tax rules and your specific situation. E-filing proves the quickest option for most taxpayers and offers faster processing with quicker refunds.
Completing your return is just the start. Understanding payment options and tracking refunds gives you better control over your taxes. Tools like “Where’s My Refund?” help you know exactly when your money will arrive.
Tax preparation isn’t just a yearly task. Creating systems to track deductions, organizing receipts, and checking your withholding regularly makes next year’s tax season much easier.
Tax codes change often. Staying up to date with changes in deductions, credits, and filing requirements helps you get the best financial results. Since taxes affect everyone differently, knowing your specific situation helps you make smart financial decisions.
Filing taxes shouldn’t overwhelm you. Good preparation, the right tools, and a step-by-step approach let you handle this yearly financial task with confidence. You might even put more money back in your pocket by claiming the right credits and deductions.
FAQs
Q1. What are the federal income tax rates for 2025? There are seven federal income tax rates for 2025: 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, and 37%. Your specific tax bracket depends on your taxable income and filing status.
Q2. How much is the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for 2025? The maximum EITC for 2025 is $8,046 for families with three or more qualifying children, $7,152 for two children, $4,328 for one child, and $649 for those with no qualifying children.
Q3. What are the key steps to filing your tax return? The main steps include choosing a filing method, gathering necessary documents, entering your personal and financial information, identifying applicable deductions and credits, reviewing your return for accuracy, and submitting it either electronically or by mail.
Q4. How can I track my tax refund? You can track your refund using the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool on IRS.gov or through the IRS2Go mobile app. You’ll need your Social Security number, filing status, and exact refund amount to check your status.
Q5. What’s the fastest way to receive my tax refund? The quickest method to receive your refund is to e-file your return and choose direct deposit. This combination typically results in refunds being issued within 21 days for most taxpayers.
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