As people prepare to file their taxes, there are things to consider. They
will want to determine if they need to file and the best way to do so.
Here are three things for people to keep in mind as they prepare to file
their taxes:
- Who
is Required to File. In most cases, income, filing status and age determine
if a taxpayer must file a tax return. Other rules may apply if the
taxpayer is self-employed or if they are a dependent of another person.
For example, if a taxpayer is single and younger than age 65, they must
file if their income was at least $10,400. There are other instances when
a taxpayer must file. Go to IRS.gov/filing
for more information.
- Filing
to get a refund.
Even if a taxpayer doesn’t have to file, they should file a tax return if
they can get money back. If a taxpayer answers “yes” to any of these
questions, they could be due a refund: ◦Did my employer withhold federal
income tax from my pay?
- Did I make estimated
tax payments?
- Did I overpay last year
and have it applied to this year’s tax?
- Taxpayers
can File for Free. Join the millions of Americans who safely file their
taxes and save money using IRS Free File. Seventy percent of the nation’s
taxpayers are eligible for IRS
Free File. Commercial partners of the IRS offer free brand-name
software to about 100 million individuals and families with incomes of
$66,000 or less. Taxpayers who earned more can use Free File Fillable
Forms. This option allows taxpayers to complete IRS forms electronically.
It is best for those who are used to doing their own taxes.
Instructions for Forms 1040,
1040A
or 1040EZ
list income tax filing requirements. Taxpayers can also use the Interactive
Tax Assistant tool on IRS.gov to answer many tax questions.. They should
look for “Do I need to file a return?” under general topics.
All taxpayers should keep a copy of their tax return. Taxpayers using a
software product for the first time may need their Adjusted Gross Income amount
from their prior-year tax return to verify their identity. Taxpayers can learn
more about how to verify their identity and electronically sign tax returns at Validating
Your Electronically Filed Tax Return.
More Information:
- Publication
17, Your Federal Income Tax
- Publication
501 Exemptions, Standard Deduction and Filing Information
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