Filing Your Taxes 101

What Do I Need to Know to File My Own Tax Return Online?

When you get started with e-filing, you need to collect:

• Identification numbers
• Personal information
• Income source documents (if you have them)
• Interest and dividend statements (if you have them)
• Bank account number and RTN for direct deposit or payment
• Childcare info and expenses
• Mortgage information, if you own a home
• A list of charitable donations with receipts (or other qualified proof of donation)
• Driver’s License (required by some states)
• A copy of last year’s tax return

Getting comfortable with the info in this section will really smooth out the process, help you finish sooner, and get your refund on the way—so let’s talk about what you’ll need for each item.

What sort of identification number and personal info do I need to file my taxes online?

Before you even start, everyone on your return has to have a taxpayer ID number. That can be a Social Security Number (SSN), an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or an Adoption Taxpayer Identification Number (ATIN). You’ll also need the correct date of birth for each person on your return, along with full names.

When you add each person to your return, the name, birth date, and ID number must match what the IRS has on file. The IRS uses what’s on the Social Security card or other taxpayer ID. If the name, ID number, and date of birth don’t match, the IRS will reject your return and ask you to correct the information.

Which documents do I need when I file my taxes?

Preparing your tax return will be easier if the tax documents you need are organized and readily available:

• Income source documents: Forms W-2, W-2G, 1099-MISC, 1099-NEC, 1099-G, 1099-SSA, 1099-R, etc.
• Interest and dividend statements from banks, brokerages, etc.: 1099-INT, 1099-DIV
• A copy of last year’s tax return
• Bank routing and account numbers
• The amount you paid for childcare and the childcare provider’s tax identification number
• Form 1098 from your mortgage lender
• Other less common tax reporting forms you may receive, such as: 1099-A, 1099-B, 1099-C, 1099-K, 1099-OID, 1099-Q, 1099-S, 1099-SA
• Receipts for charitable donations
• Driver’s License state of issuance, expiration date and license number (required by some states to confirm your identity and protect against tax refund fraud)
• Notice 1444 if you plan to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit (specific to 2020 tax returns)

Is filing my taxes online the best way to file my return?

For sending your tax return to the IRS, e-filing is your best option by far. E-filing has eclipsed the old way of mailing in returns, as it is faster, more accurate and more secure.

When can I file my taxes, and what’s the deadline?

The date that the IRS officially starts accepting e-filed returns varies from year to year. Typically, it’s sometime around the third week of January, but sometimes circumstances can push that back to late January or early February.

While your tax return can’t be processed until the IRS opens, you can usually complete your taxes online and have your return ready to be e-filed by your online filing provider well before the IRS official “go live” date. Since you’ll be closer to the top of the queue once processing starts, you’ll be one of the first in line for return and refund processing.

The filing deadline is normally April 15, but the deadline can be a day or two later if the 15th falls on a weekend or holiday, and even later depending on any national emergencies. If you need more time to file beyond the deadline, you can get an extension until October 15 (typically an additional six months).

Are there any tax forms that can’t be filed online?

Almost every tax form can be filed online, but certain types of individual tax returns cannot be e-filed, such as:

• 1040 non-resident returns
• Some prior-year returns

Now you’re ready to file online with 1040.com!

We believe that tax filing should be simple, and when you file with 1040.com, you’ll get our incredible walkthrough, chat support, and as many state tax returns as you need for one low price of $25. It’s a pretty sweet deal, so be sure to sign up or log in to get started on your taxes today!