Quick checklist (at-a-glance)

  • Personal information: Social Security numbers (SSNs) or ITINs for you, spouse, and dependents; legal name as on Social Security card.
  • Income documents: W-2, 1099-NEC/1099-MISC/1099-K, 1099-INT, 1099-DIV, SSA-1099, or other statements that show taxable income.
  • Adjustment and deduction records: Student loan interest (Form 1098-E), tuition (Form 1098-T), mortgage interest (Form 1098), retirement contributions, HSA contributions, and receipts for deductible expenses if itemizing.
  • Self-employment records: Profit/loss ledger, 1099s, business expenses, and mileage logs; be prepared to use Schedule C and Schedule SE.
  • Health insurance: Form 1095-A if you had Marketplace coverage.
  • Bank info: Routing and account numbers for refund direct deposit or tax payment.
  • Filing tools: Tax software, IRS Free File (if eligible), or contact information for a CPA or enrolled agent.

Why this matters

Filing your federal income tax return for the first time establishes your tax record, creates eligibility for credits (like the Earned Income Tax Credit or education credits), and helps you avoid penalties for underreporting income. Missing information or the wrong filing status can reduce your refund or create problems later if the IRS matches third-party forms (W-2/1099) against your return (IRS guidance: https://www.irs.gov).

Step-by-step: How to file taxes for the first time

  1. Confirm whether you must file
  • Not everyone must file every year. Filing requirements depend on gross income, filing status, age, and dependency status. Use the IRS interactive “Do I need to file?” tool or Publication 501 to check your situation (IRS: https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-501).
  1. Gather identity and dependent information
  • Collect Social Security numbers (SSNs) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) and legal names exactly as they appear on Social Security cards. Mistakes delay processing.
  1. Collect all income documents
  • Employers provide W-2 forms. Freelancers/contractors receive 1099-NEC/1099-MISC; gig platforms may issue 1099-K. Interest and dividends come via 1099-INT/1099-DIV; retirement or Social Security benefits have their own forms (e.g., SSA-1099). If you didn’t get a required form, still report the income — keep your records and contact the payer or the IRS if necessary (see internal guide on correcting W-2/1099 issues).

Related reading: Employer reporting basics: W-2 vs 1099 (FinHelp) — https://finhelp.io/glossary/employer-reporting-basics-w-2-vs-1099-misc-vs-1099-nec/

  1. Decide your filing status
  • Choose the correct status: Single, Married Filing Jointly, Married Filing Separately, Head of Household, or Qualifying Widow(er). Your filing status affects standard deduction size and tax brackets. If unsure, consult IRS Publication 501.
  1. Choose standard deduction or itemize
  • Most first-time filers use the standard deduction. Only itemize if your deductible expenses (mortgage interest, charitable gifts, medical expenses above the threshold) exceed the standard deduction for your filing status.
  1. Pick the right federal form(s)
  • The primary form is Form 1040 (or 1040-SR for some seniors). Attach required schedules: Schedule 1 (additional income/adjustments), Schedule C (self-employment), Schedule SE (self-employment tax), Schedule A (itemized deductions), etc. If you need to amend later, use Form 1040-X.

Beginner’s guide: A Beginner’s Guide to Form 1040 (FinHelp) — https://finhelp.io/glossary/a-beginners-guide-to-form-1040-what-you-need-to-know/

  1. Decide how to file: e-file vs paper
  • E-file is faster and more secure; it reduces math errors and speeds refunds when you choose direct deposit. The IRS Free File program is available to eligible taxpayers (IRS Free File: https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free). If you hire a tax pro, confirm they file electronically and use secure methods to transmit your data.
  1. Prepare to pay or receive a refund
  • If you owe, use IRS Direct Pay or Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) to pay electronically. If you expect a refund, provide bank account details for direct deposit.
  1. Double-check everything before filing
  • Verify SSNs, names, bank routing numbers, and all entries. Common errors are transposed numbers, wrong filing status, or missing schedules. Keep copies of forms and proof of mailing or e-file confirmation.
  1. File and retain records
  • File by the deadline (generally April 15, though it can shift when it falls on a weekend/holiday or is extended by the IRS). Keep copies of your return and supporting documents for at least three years; for certain claims keep records as long as seven years — see IRS guidance on how long to keep records (IRS Publication 552: https://www.irs.gov).
  1. If self-employed, plan estimated taxes

Professional tips from practice

  • Start early: In my practice I see avoidable errors when clients rush in March or April. Early filing gives time to get missing forms corrected.
  • Use a checklist: Build a folder (digital or physical) for W-2s, 1099s, tuition and interest forms, and receipts. When everything is in one place you’re less likely to miss income or deductions.
  • Track freelance income in real time: For new freelancers I recommend a simple spreadsheet or bookkeeping app to track receipts, 1099s received, and business expenses to simplify Schedule C prep.
  • Consider the safe harbor for estimated taxes: If you’re self-employed with variable income, use the safe-harbor rules on the IRS site to avoid penalties.

Common mistakes first-time filers make

  • Wrong filing status: This changes standard deduction and tax rates. For example, qualifying for Head of Household requires specific tests.
  • Missing income: Don’t forget side gigs, gig platforms, and small sales — the IRS receives copies of many information returns and will match them to your return.
  • Math and SSN errors: Simple number mistakes cause processing delays and IRS notices.
  • Not taking credits: Education credits (Form 8863), the Child Tax Credit, and the Earned Income Tax Credit can significantly increase refunds — but they require documentation.
  • Ignoring state taxes: Filing federal doesn’t eliminate state filing obligations. Check your state revenue department’s rules and deadlines.

Real-world examples (anonymized)

  • Recent college grad: A client who worked part-time and had student loan interest and tuition credits benefited from reviewing Form 1098-T and Form 1098-E; we claimed the American Opportunity Credit where eligible and increased her refund.
  • New freelancer: A client who started a freelance side business learned to separate business and personal expenses, keep mileage logs, and make quarterly payments — this avoided a large balance due and underpayment penalties the next year.

Frequently asked questions

Q: What if I didn’t get a W-2 or 1099?
A: Contact the payer first. If you still can’t get it, you must still report the income. The IRS has guidance on missing forms and how to proceed.

Q: When should I hire a pro?
A: Hire a tax preparer if your return involves business income, complex investments, multiple states, or if you’re unsure about claiming credits. A preparer can reduce risk and identify deductions you might miss.

Q: How long should I keep tax records?
A: Keep copies of filed returns and supporting documents for at least three years. For certain matters (e.g., bad debts, worthless securities) keep records up to seven years; for property keep records for as long as you own it plus the years after sale. See IRS Publication 552 for details (https://www.irs.gov).

Next steps and action items

  1. Create a secure folder for tax documents.
  2. Request missing forms from employers or payers by mid-February.
  3. If self-employed, estimate quarterly tax payments now and set aside funds.
  4. Choose a filing method (software, pro, or Free File) and schedule time to complete the return.

Useful authoritative resources

Internal resources (related FinHelp guides)

Professional disclaimer: This article is educational and not personalized tax advice. For guidance tailored to your situation, consult a qualified CPA, enrolled agent, or the IRS.