Here’s How To Self-File Your Taxes for the First Time Without Crying Into Your Laptop
As tax season ticks down to the wire, you’re determined to file your own tax return. It’s your first time doing it solo, and you keep telling yourself it can’t be that hard. But as you fire up your laptop, panic sets in. You’re worried about missing something, making a mistake or triggering penalties and fees. How are you going to get through this process without sobbing into your laptop?
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Let MoneyLion offer you a tissue — and some help. We connected with Brian Zink, CEO and founder of No Upfront Tax Relief, to get his best advice for self-filing your taxes for the first time, dry-eyed and fear-free.
1. Know You Won’t Get in Trouble for Small Mistakes
If you’re terrified that one mistake could have disastrous consequences for the rest of your life and your finances, let Zink allay your concerns. He knows many first-time filers are overwhelmed by tax jargon and fear they’ve missed something. The good news: Most basic mistakes aren’t worth your tears.
“The majority of mistakes are not a big deal. The IRS usually corrects small errors on its own, or it will send a notice to ask for clarification,” he said. “Simple mistakes rarely turn into a serious issue. We tell clients that accuracy matters, but perfection is not required.”
2. Use Software To Guide You Through the Process
Worried you’ll need to brush up on the tax code to file your taxes on your own? Worry not. Zink says the filing process is more straightforward than many people expect — especially when you use tax software.
“Most software will walk you through it. Getting started is usually the hardest part,” he said. “There is no need to understand every rule to file correctly. Going step by step is much easier.”
Zink says most major self-filing platforms work well for the average taxpayer. He praises TurboTax as “very guided and easy to follow,” while H&R Block earns similar kudos for ease of use and support. In his opinion, FreeTaxUSA is “a bit more basic, but cost-effective,” and TaxAct “falls somewhere in the middle.”
Ultimately, the best choice comes down to how much guidance you want. If this is your first time filing, prioritize software that explains why it’s asking certain questions and flags potential errors before you submit.
3. See if IRS Free File Works for You
If you’re worried about how much tax software costs, Zink says it’s worth checking whether IRS Free File is an option for you. Taxpayers who fall below certain income limits can access free, IRS-approved tax software through the program.
“It can be a good option for simple returns and works best for straightforward income,” he said. “The downside is it offers less guidance than paid options.”
It's worth noting, though, that not all free options are bare-bones. Some IRS Free File partners, including TaxAct, offer guided, step-by-step help, even at no cost.
4. Gather All Your Documents Before You Start
You already know you need to collect your tax documents. But as a first-time filer, you might not be sure what counts. Here are some common documents to gather before you begin:
Income forms, such as W-2s and 1099s
Interest and dividend statements from bank or investment accounts
Education-related documents, which are especially common for younger filers
Zink says people often misplace a small 1099 form or forget about side income — both of which can cause headaches later. To reduce that risk, he encourages clients to inventory every place they earn money.
“We tell clients to start by thinking about every place money came from,” he said. “Starting points include jobs, side work, banks and apps. There is usually a form tied to income when it is earned. Referencing prior-year returns can also help.”
5. Store Your Documents in One Place
As you gather your tax documents, Zink suggests sparing yourself stress by staying organized.
“Keeping tax documents in one place makes it simple. Using a folder or digital file is most common,” he said. “We tell clients it is best to save documents as they come in instead of waiting. People get overwhelmed when they try to gather everything all at once. Staying organized will go a long way.”
The Bottom Line
“No More Tears” can be more than a famous song by Ozzy Osbourne. It can also be your philosophy for self-filing your taxes for the first time. Just follow Zink’s advice: Get organized, use the right tax software and remember that small mistakes are usually fixable. You’ve got this — and your laptop will stay dry.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, or tax advice.
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