How to File US Taxes for the First Time (Form 1040)
Filing your first Form 1040US Individual Income Tax Return — The standard federal income tax form. Variants like 1040-SR (seniors) and schedules attach to it.Click for official info ↗ is mostly about gathering the right documents: W-2s, 1099s, and SSNSocial Security Number — A 9-digit number issued by the Social Security Administration. It is the main US identity number for work, taxes, and credit.Click for official info ↗/ITINIndividual Taxpayer Identification Number — A tax processing number for people who are not eligible for a Social Security number but must file US taxes.Click for official info ↗. Free software walks you through the rest, and most refunds arrive within 21 days.
The Steps
Follow these in order
Each card shows the phase, expected time, and any cost. Data checked against official US sources(2025-Latest).
0 of 8 steps
- Before You Go 5 min
Know your filing deadline
Federal returns are due April 15 each year (mid-April if the 15th is a weekend). Filing early means faster refunds and less fraud risk.
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- Before You Go 2–6 weeks
Wait for and collect all income forms
Employers send W-2s by January 31; banks and clients send 1099s around the same time. Make a list of every job and income source so nothing is missed — the IRSInternal Revenue Service — The US federal tax agency. It collects federal income taxes, issues refunds, and administers ITINs.Click for official info ↗ gets copies too.
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- Before You Go 15 min
Decide your filing status
Single, Married Filing Jointly, Married Filing Separately, Head of Household, or Qualifying Surviving Spouse. Joint filing usually saves money for married couples.
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- Fill / Prepare 20 min
Choose free filing software
If your income is under ~$84,000, use IRSInternal Revenue Service — The US federal tax agency. It collects federal income taxes, issues refunds, and administers ITINs.Click for official info ↗ Free File (irs.gov) for brand-name software at no cost. Above that, Free File Fillable Forms or paid software like TurboTax works.
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- Fill / Prepare 1–3 hours
Complete Form 1040
The software asks questions and fills the 1040US Individual Income Tax Return — The standard federal income tax form. Variants like 1040-SR (seniors) and schedules attach to it.Click for official info ↗ for you. Report all income, claim deductions (standard deduction is $14,600 single / $29,200 joint for 2024), and check credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit.
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- Submit & Pay 15 min
E-file and choose direct deposit
Submit electronically — refunds arrive in about 21 days versus 6+ weeks on paper. Choose direct deposit, not a paper check or refund card.
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- Wait up to 21 days
Track your refund
Use the "Where's My Refund" tool at irs.gov (or the IRS2Go app) 24 hours after e-filing. Have your SSNSocial Security Number — A 9-digit number issued by the Social Security Administration. It is the main US identity number for work, taxes, and credit.Click for official info ↗, filing status, and exact refund amount ready.
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- Follow Up 10 min
Keep copies for 3+ years
Save a PDF of your return and all source documents. You may need them for loan applications, immigration, or future filings.
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to file if I made very little money?
Maybe not, but you should anyway — filing is how you get a refund of withheld taxes or claim refundable credits like the EITC, which can be worth thousands.
What if I owe money I cannot pay?
File anyway. The failure-to-file penalty is 10x harsher than the failure-to-pay penalty. Set up an IRSInternal Revenue Service — The US federal tax agency. It collects federal income taxes, issues refunds, and administers ITINs.Click for official info ↗ payment plan online starting at ~$30/month.
I am undocumented. Can I file taxes?
Yes — the IRSInternal Revenue Service — The US federal tax agency. It collects federal income taxes, issues refunds, and administers ITINs.Click for official info ↗ treats tax filing separately from immigration enforcement. File with an ITINIndividual Taxpayer Identification Number — A tax processing number for people who are not eligible for a Social Security number but must file US taxes.Click for official info ↗. Paying taxes is often viewed favorably in future immigration cases.
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