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Tax season is here, and let’s be honest—it’s not exactly the most exciting time of year. Between gathering documents, figuring out deductions, and trying to avoid last-minute panic, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when figuring out how to file your taxes. But don’t worry! We’ve got your back with a quick and easy tax season checklist to help you tackle this year.
Gather Your Essential Documents
Before diving into your taxes, make sure you have everything you need.
✅ W-2s from employers
✅ 1099s for freelance, contract, or side income
✅ Mortgage and student loan interest statements
✅ Investment income statements
✅ Any receipts for deductible expenses (think medical bills, business expenses, or charitable donations)
💡 Having a folder (physical or digital) for tax-related documents throughout the year will make next tax season even easier. Future You will appreciate it.
Know Your Deductions and Credits
Maximize your tax refund! Some common tax breaks include:
💰 Student loan interest deduction
💰 Child tax credit
💰 Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
💰 Home office or business expense deductions
💰 Retirement account contributions
💡 Not sure what you qualify for? View these tax deductions to help you find hidden savings.
Use Helpful Tax Resources
Taxes can be confusing, but there are plenty of free and trusted resources available to help you.
📌 IRS Free File – If your income qualifies, you can file your federal taxes for free using IRS-approved software.
📌 VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) – Offers free tax help for individuals who qualify, including those with disabilities and limited English-speaking skills.
📌 Tax Guides & Calculators – Use online tools to estimate your refund and better understand deductions and credits.
💡 There are lots of resources out there to help you better understand your taxes. For instance, check out our Tax Calculator on 1040 and 1040EZ to get a head start on your estimate.
Taxes can be confusing, but there are plenty of free and trusted resources available to help you.
📌 IRS Free File – If your income qualifies, you can file your federal taxes for free using IRS-approved software.
📌 VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) – Offers free tax help for individuals who qualify, including those with disabilities and limited English-speaking skills.
📌 Tax Guides & Calculators – Use online tools to estimate your refund and better understand deductions and credits.
💡 There are lots of resources out there to help you better understand your taxes. For instance, check out our Tax Calculator on 1040 and 1040EZ to get a head start on your estimate.
Watch for Scams
Tax season is prime time for scammers posing as the IRS or financial institutions (even us!). Remember:
🚨 The IRS will never call, text, or email you about an urgent payment.
🚨 If you receive a suspicious message, don’t click on links or share personal info.
🚨 Only use trusted sites (IRS.gov or verified tax software) when filing.
💡 If something feels off, double-check by contacting the organization directly.
Tax season is prime time for scammers posing as the IRS or financial institutions (even us!). Remember:
🚨 The IRS will never call, text, or email you about an urgent payment.
🚨 If you receive a suspicious message, don’t click on links or share personal info.
🚨 Only use trusted sites (IRS.gov or verified tax software) when filing.
💡 If something feels off, double-check by contacting the organization directly.
File Early to Reduce Stress
Filing early means:
✔ Faster refunds
✔ Less risk of tax identity theft
✔ More time to fix errors if needed
💡Even if you owe, you can still file early and schedule your payment for the April deadline. That way, you avoid last-minute surprises.
Filing early means:
✔ Faster refunds
✔ Less risk of tax identity theft
✔ More time to fix errors if needed
💡Even if you owe, you can still file early and schedule your payment for the April deadline. That way, you avoid last-minute surprises.
Taxes might not be fun, but getting them done right can save you money, time, and stress. Use this checklist, stay organized, and knock them out early—you’ll thank us later!