Important Filing Deadlines (2025)

Check the IRS filing season information for any changes or special circumstances. If April 15 falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline moves to the next business day.

How to Request an Extension

File Form 4868 by April 15 to get an automatic 6-month extension to file (until October 15). Important: An extension to file is NOT an extension to pay - any taxes owed are still due April 15 to avoid penalties and interest.

Gathering Your Tax Documents

Essential Documents You'll Need

Before filing, collect all necessary forms and documentation. The IRS forms and instructions page provides details on each form.

Income Documents:

• Form W-2: From your employer showing wages and withholding
• Form 1099-NEC: For freelance/contract income ($600+)
• Form 1099-INT: Interest income from banks
• Form 1099-DIV: Dividend and capital gains from investments
• Form 1099-B: Stock sales and investment transactions
• Form 1099-R: Retirement account distributions
• Form 1099-G: Unemployment compensation, state tax refunds
• Form SSA-1099: Social Security benefits

Deduction Documentation:

• Form 1098: Mortgage interest statement
• Form 1098-E: Student loan interest statement
• Form 1098-T: Tuition statement for education credits
• Charitable donation receipts
• Medical expense receipts
• Property tax bills
• IRA contribution records

Personal Information:

• Social Security Numbers for you, spouse, and dependents
• Bank account and routing numbers (for direct deposit of refund)
• Prior year tax return (helpful for reference)
• Identity Protection PIN if you have one (from IRS)

Filing Methods and Options

IRS Free File

If your Adjusted Gross Income is $79,000 or less, you can use IRS Free File to prepare and e-file your federal return for free using brand-name tax software. If you earn more, you can use Free File Fillable Forms (electronic version of paper forms).

Commercial Tax Software

Popular options include TurboTax, H&R Block, TaxAct, and TaxSlayer. These guide you through the filing process with interviews and automatic calculations. Most offer free federal filing for simple returns, with paid upgrades for complex situations.

Tax Professionals

CPAs, Enrolled Agents, and tax attorneys can prepare and file your return. Best for complex situations like business income, investment properties, or unusual circumstances. Find qualified professionals through the IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers.

Paper Filing

Download forms from the IRS website, complete by hand or computer, and mail to the appropriate address. Processing takes 6-8 weeks (vs. 3 weeks for e-file). Not recommended unless you have no other option.

Understanding Form 1040

Form 1040 is the standard federal income tax form used by most taxpayers. It's been simplified in recent years, but many filers will need to attach schedules for specific situations.

Common Schedules and Forms

• Schedule 1: Additional income and adjustments (freelance income, IRA deductions, etc.)
• Schedule 2: Additional taxes (self-employment tax, household employment taxes)
• Schedule 3: Additional credits and payments
• Schedule A: Itemized deductions (if not taking standard deduction)
• Schedule B: Interest and dividend income
• Schedule C: Business income (for sole proprietors)
• Schedule D: Capital gains and losses
• Schedule E: Rental real estate, royalties, partnerships
• Schedule SE: Self-employment tax calculation

Tax software automatically determines which schedules you need based on your answers to interview questions.

After You File

Checking Your Refund Status

Use the Where's My Refund? tool on IRS.gov to track your refund. Available 24 hours after e-filing or 4 weeks after mailing. You'll need your SSN, filing status, and exact refund amount.

Making Payments

If you owe taxes, the IRS offers several payment options:

• IRS Direct Pay: Free electronic payment from checking/savings (no registration needed)
• Electronic Funds Withdrawal: Pay when e-filing
• Debit/Credit Card: Through approved payment processors (convenience fees apply)
• Payment Plan: If you can't pay in full, request an installment agreement
• Check or Money Order: Mail with payment voucher

Payment Plans

Can't pay your full tax bill? Apply for a payment plan online through the IRS website. Short-term plans (120 days or less) have no setup fee. Long-term plans have setup fees but allow monthly payments.

Amended Returns

Need to correct a filed return? Use Form 1040-X (Amended Return). You generally have 3 years from the original filing date to amend and claim a refund. Some tax software can prepare amended returns electronically.

Common Filing Mistakes to Avoid

• Math errors: Use tax software or double-check all calculations
• Incorrect SSNs: Verify all Social Security Numbers are accurate
• Wrong filing status: Choose the correct status for your situation
• Missing signatures: Both spouses must sign if filing jointly
• Incorrect bank info: Verify account and routing numbers for direct deposit
• Missing forms: Make sure you've included all W-2s and 1099s
• Forgetting to sign: Unsigned returns will be rejected
• Mailing to wrong address: Check IRS website for correct mailing address for your state