Gather Tax Documents
1-2 hoursCollect W-2s, 1099s, mortgage interest (1098), student loan interest, HSA contributions, and charitable receipts.
Intermediate1-2 weeks
Tax Filing Guide
Free step-by-step tax filing for W-2 employees. Plan tax filing with calculators and checklists covering gather tax documents, estimate tax liability.
W-2 employeesfirst-time filersstandard deduction users
Workflow
Estimate Tax Liability
1 hourUse last year's return and current income to estimate whether you owe or will receive a refund before filing.
Choose Filing Method
30 minutesDecide between IRS Free File, tax software (TurboTax, FreeTaxUSA), or a CPA based on complexity and income.
File and Save Records
2-4 hoursE-file by April 15 (or request extension to October 15), pay any balance due, and retain records for 3-7 years.
Tools Used
Checklist
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Preparation
Filing
Records
Reference Materials
2024 US Tax DeadlinesTable
Key dates for individual filers.
| Date | Event | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 31 | W-2/1099 deadline | Gather all forms |
| Apr 15 | Filing deadline | File or pay estimated penalty |
| Oct 15 | Extension deadline | File if extension granted |
Standard Deduction 2024Standard
Single: $14,600 | Married filing jointly: $29,200 | Head of household: $21,900. Most US taxpayers use the standard deduction.
Do Not Delay for a Small Refund
A large refund means you gave the IRS an interest-free loan — adjust W-4 to keep more per paycheck.
Report All Income
The IRS receives copies of your W-2s and 1099s — unreported income triggers automated matching notices.
Free File Eligibility
Check IRS.gov/FreeFile before paying for software — many taxpayers qualify for completely free filing.
Safety Notes
- Never share your IRS Identity Protection PIN or Social Security number via email — the IRS does not initiate contact by email or text.