Doing your own taxes can be a daunting task, especially if you have never done it before. But the truth is, it’s not as complicated as it seems. With some basic knowledge and a bit of effort, you can easily file your taxes and save money on tax preparation fees. In this blog post, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to do your taxes on your own.

Step 1: Gather Your Tax Documents

Before you start preparing your taxes, it’s important to gather all the necessary documents. This includes your W-2 forms, 1099 forms, receipts, and any other documents related to your income and expenses. You should also have your Social Security number and any information about your dependents.

Your W-2 form is a summary of your income and taxes withheld from your paycheck. Your employer is required to provide you with this form by January 31st of each year. If you have multiple jobs, you will receive a W-2 form from each employer.

Your 1099 form is a summary of income earned from sources other than employment, such as freelance work or rental income. If you received more than $600 in income from a particular source, you should receive a 1099 form form the payer.

Step 2: Choose a Filing Method

There are two ways to file your taxes: electronically or by mail. Filing electronically is faster, easier, and more secure. You can use tax preparation software such as TurboTax or H&R Block, or the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) free file program. If you prefer to file by mail, you can download and print the forms from the IRS website.

If you choose to file electronically, you will need to create an account with the tax preparation software you choose. You will also need to provide your personal information, such as your name, address, and Social Security number.

Step 3: Determine Your Filing Status

Your filing status determines your tax bracket and the amount of tax you owe. There are five filing statuses:

• Single: If you are unmarried, divorced, or legally separated as of December 31st of the tax year, you can file as single.
• Married Filing Jointly: If you are married and file a joint tax return with your spouse, you can file as married filing jointly.
• Married Filing Separately: If you are married but choose to file separate tax returns, you can file as married filing separately.
• Head of Household: If you are unmarried and provide more than half of the financial support for a dependent, you can file as head of household.
• Qualifying Widow(er) with Dependent Child: If you are widowed and have a dependent child, you can file as a qualifying widow(er) with dependent child for two years following the year of your spouse’s death.

Step 4: Calculate Your Taxable Income

Your taxable income is the amount of income you earned that is subject to taxation. To calculate your taxable income, subtract any deductions or exemptions from your total income. Deductions can include expenses such as mortgage interest, charitable contributions, and medical expenses.

To calculate your taxable income, follow these steps:

1. Add up all of your income from the tax year, including wages, salaries, tips, and any other income reported on your W-2 and 1099 forms.
2. Subtract any above-the-line deductions, such as contributions to a traditional IRA or health savings account.
3. Subtract any deductions you can take on Schedule A, such as state and local taxes, mortgage interest, and charitable contributions.
4. Subtract your personal exemption, which is $4,300 for the 2022 tax year.

The result is your taxable income.

Step 5: Determine Your Tax Bracket

Your tax bracket is the percentage of your taxable income that you owe in federal taxes. The tax brackets are based on your filing status (single, married filing jointly, married filing separately, or head of household) and your taxable income. You can find the tax brackets for the current year on the IRS website.

Step 6: Calculate Your Tax Liability

Once you know your tax bracket, you can calculate your tax liability. This is the amount of tax you owe before any credits or deductions. You can use the IRS tax tables to calculate your tax liability or use tax preparation software (i.e. TurboTax). 

Click here for a list of the top 2023 tax preparation software recommended by Forbes.

Step 7: Apply Credits and Deductions

Tax credits and discounts are incentives that can reduce your tax liability, and it’s important to take advantage of them if you’re eligible. Determining tax credits and discounts involves researching available options, determining eligibility, calculating the value of the credit or discount, completing the necessary paperwork, and applying for the credit or discount during tax season. It’s important to keep accurate records and understand the eligibility requirements to avoid any issues with the IRS. Here’s how to determine tax credits and discounts:

1. Determine your eligibility: Tax credits and discounts have specific eligibility requirements, so it’s important to determine if you qualify before you apply. For example, the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is available to low-to moderate-income workers, while the Child Tax Credit (CTC) is available to families with dependent children.
2. Calculate the value of the credit or discount: The value of tax credits and discounts varies, and it’s important to understand how much you can save. For example, the EITC can be worth up to $6,728 for the 2021 tax year, while the CTC can be worth up to $3,600 per child.
3. Complete the necessary paperwork: To claim tax credits and discounts, you will need to complete the necessary paperwork. This may include filling out additional forms, such as Form 8863 for the AOTC, and providing proof of eligibility, such as receipts or proof of income.
4. Apply for tax credits and discounts during tax season: You can apply for tax credits and discounts when you file your taxes, either electronically or by mail. If you are eligible for a tax credit or discount, it will be applied to your tax liability and reduce the amount of tax you owe. Some tax credits and discounts, such as the EITC, are refundable, meaning you can receive a refund even if you don’t owe any taxes.
5. Keep accurate records: It’s important to keep accurate records of any tax credits and discounts you receive. This includes documentation of your eligibility, as well as the value of the credit or discount. If you are audited by the IRS, you will need to provide proof of your eligibility and the amount of the credit or discount.

Step 8: File your Taxes

Once you have completed all the steps above, you can file your taxes electronically or by mail. If you are filing electronically, make sure to sign and submit the electronic signature form. If you are filing by mail, make sure to include all the necessary forms and documentation and mail them to the appropriate address.

There you have it! Doing your taxes on your own may seem intimidating at first, but with some basic knowledge and effort, it is a task that can be accomplished. By following the steps outlined above, you can save money on tax preparation fees and take control of your financial situation. Good luck!