Tax Income

Collect all required financial documents such as W-2 forms, 1099 forms, receipts for deductions, and records of other income sources.

Decide whether to file your taxes online using tax software, hire a tax professional, or file manually using paper forms.

Identify your filing status (e.g., Single, Married Filing Jointly, Head of Household) as it affects your tax rates and deductions.

Add up all sources of income, including wages, salaries, freelance earnings, rental income, and any investment returns.

Identify applicable deductions (e.g., student loan interest, medical expenses) and tax credits (e.g., child tax credit, education credits).

Fill out the appropriate tax forms, such as the 1040, and include any additional schedules for deductions and credits.

Double-check all information for accuracy, including income totals, deductions, credits, and personal details.

File your completed tax return electronically through IRS e-File or mail it to the IRS using the appropriate address.

If you owe taxes, make a payment by the deadline to avoid penalties or interest charges.

Save copies of your filed tax return and supporting documents for at least three years for your records.