Navigating the Process of Submitting Your Tax Declaration
Filing your income taxes ain't nobody's idea of a hoot, but it ain't gotta be a nightmare either. Whether you're handling a simple return or sorting out the finances from freelance gigs, understanding your options—from pen and paper to digital tools and professional help—can save you time, reduce stress, and possibly boost your refund. Here's the lowdown on filing your taxes, whether you go it alone, use the best tax prep software, or hire a pro.
Key Takeaways:
- You can prepare your taxes yourself, use digital tools, or hire a pro like a CPA.
- Most filers will need forms like a W-2 or 1099, which should arrive by the end of January.
- The tax filing deadline for 2025 returns is April 15, 2026.
- The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) began accepting returns for the 2024 tax year on January 27, 2025.
When Is the 2026 Tax Season?
Tax seasons for prior years kick off in the early months of the following year. For the 2024 tax year, the IRS started processing returns on January 27, 2025.
Most taxpayers should receive all the necessary forms and documentation by the end of January so they can file their federal and state income tax returns. The due date for 2024 tax returns is April 15, 2026. The IRS projects more than 140 million individual returns filed by that date[1].
How to Prepare Your Taxes
There are several ways to handle your taxes. The main options for preparing your taxes are hiring a tax pro, using tax software, or going it alone.
Do It Yourself on Paper Forms
You can file your federal taxes the old-school way by downloading and printing the forms on the IRS website, filling them out, and mailing them back to the IRS (along with a check if you owe). Another option is to complete the forms online and submit the return electronically with a credit card payment[2]. State income tax forms are usually found on your state's official website.
Filing your taxes on paper might be best if your tax situation is straightforward, or unchanged, and you enjoy working with numbers. Plus, it's free!
Use Tax Software
Midway between filing your taxes and hiring a pro is using tax prep software for your federal and state returns. You enter your information, and the software guides you through the process. The top programs automatically fill in your previous year's information and offer professional support for a fee[2].
For the 2025 tax year, the IRS introduced IRS Direct File, a free government-run filing tool available in select states. However, its future is uncertain[3]. According to AP News, the program may be cut in 2026, depending on political and budget decisions.
The IRS Direct File system is only accessible 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[3]
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.
Hire a Tax Professional
For taxpayers with complicated finances or a lack of confidence about financial matters, hiring a tax pro might be the way to go. A competent tax pro can help minimize the amount you owe and maximize the deductions you claim[2].
You can find numerous local tax preparation services or opt for online services such as EY TaxChat for easy access. Small businesses might consider full-service accounting services like 1-800Accountant.
What You'll Need to File
No matter which method you choose, the first step is gathering 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[3]. This means waiting to receive your W-2s, 1099s, and other forms, which are usually sent by the end of January[2].
- Names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers for yourself, your spouse, and any dependents
- Form W-2, which comes from your employer (if you are an employee) and reports your income and taxes already paid on your behalf.
- Form 1099-NEC (if you earned more than $600 working for a non-employer entity, worked a contract job, or had a side gig).
- Form 1099-MISC (if you earned more than $600 in other income, including rents, prizes, fishing boat proceeds, or crop insurance payments)[5].
- Form 1099-INT (if you earned more than $10 in interest during the tax year from a bank or other financial institution)[6].
- Records of your retirement account contributions.
If you're planning to itemize deductions, you'll need:
- Property taxes and mortgage interest paid, typically appearing on Form 1098, Mortgage Interest Statement, from your mortgage lender.
- State and local taxes you paid, which come from your W-2 form if you're an employee. For independent contractors, you'll need records of your estimated tax payments made throughout the year.
- Charitable donations, which are tax-deductible expenses but with a limit to the percentage of your adjustable gross income (AGI)[8].
- Educational expenses such as tuition, fees, and other related costs for an eligible student.
- Unreimbursed medical bills for tax year 2023, which you can deduct if they exceed 7.5% of your AGI[10].
- Last year's federal and state tax returns.[3]
Real-Life Application
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 quicker refund, reduce the risk of identity theft, and help you plan ahead.
If you're self-employed, understanding your deductions can result in significant savings. If you're a W-2 employee, reviewing your return could reveal whether your withholdings need to be adjusted for the following year.
The Fastest Way to Get a Tax Refund
File early to beat the backlog at the IRS and enjoy a quicker refund. Speed up the process further by filing electronically instead of sending in a paper return, which can take up to six months according to the IRS[11].
Minimizing Identity Theft Risk
Filing early makes it less likely that identity thieves will find your information and file a fraudulent return in your name. Identity thieves often employ false deductions and other types of fraud to obtain refunds, which can create problems for you. The IRS offers guidance on what to do if you suspect identity theft[12].
Electronic v. Paper Returns
Filing your tax return electronically is always quicker. Don't forget to take advantage of IRS protections like Identity Protection PINS and enabling multi-factor authentication when using online providers[12].
Bottom Line
Get your tax info together as soon as possible so you can file your income taxes swiftly. If you're owed a refund, you'll get it quicker the sooner you file. And even if you don't get a refund, filing your taxes early will make you less susceptible to identity theft, an issue that comes up frequently during tax season.
- With the 2026 tax season approaching, it's important to understand your options for filing your taxes, which include preparing them by yourself, using digital tools, or hiring a professional like a CPA.
- In relation to digital tools, there are tax prep software available that guide you through the process and can be accessed online. These top programs often automatically fill in your previous year's information and offer professional support for a fee, but the IRS Direct File system, a free government-run filing tool, might not be available in 2026 due to political and budget decisions.
- For the 2026 tax season, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is expected to begin accepting returns on January 27, 2026, with the due date for 2025 tax returns being April 15, 2026.
- Regardless of the method you choose, gathering necessary documentation is essential, which includes W-2s, 1099s, personal details, and records of financial transactions, among others, as these forms help determine your personal-finance situation, income, taxes, deductions, and credits.
