How To File Your Taxes in 2026: Step-by-Step Guide

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Filing taxes can feel overwhelming. But with the right guidance, it’s easier to understand deductions, credits and what you owe at the federal and state level. Whether you’re filing electronically or just getting organized, this step-by-step guide walks you through how to file your taxes with confidence.

Filing Your Taxes: At a Glance

• Deadlines: You must file your taxes by April 15, 2026, or request an extension. Even if you request an extension, you still need to pay your taxes. 
• Who should file: You’re generally required to file if your income meets Internal Revenue Service (IRS) thresholds based on your age and filing status — for example, $15,750 for single filers under 65 or $31,500 for married couples filing jointly when both spouses are under 65.
• Self-employed individuals: If you made $400 or more in net profit, regardless of your income, you must file taxes.
• Special credits: If you want to earn refundable credits, then you should also file. 
• Fastest ways to file: The quickest way to earn a refund is to e-file and elect to get a direct deposit. 

Do You Need to File a Tax Return?

Whether you need to file a tax return depends on your income, filing status and certain tax situations that can trigger a filing requirement.

Income Thresholds

The IRS requires you to file a tax return once your income reaches certain levels, which vary by filing status.

Self-Employment Income

If you earned more than $400 from freelance gigs or side income, you need to file a return. 

Certain Credits

If you want to earn certain refundable credits like the earned income tax credit (EITC) or the child tax credit (CTC), you’ll need to file a return. 

Withholding or Estimated Payments

If federal taxes were withheld or you made estimated tax payments throughout the year to receive a refund, you’ll need to file a return.

Step-by-Step: How To File Your Federal Tax Return

Make sure to file by the deadline, even if you can’t pay your tax bill. This ultimate guide will walk you through the process step by step, making it easy and stress-free.

1. Gather your documents: When you start filing taxes, gather all the necessary documents, forms and personal information you’ll need.
2. Choose your filing method: You can file electronically, via mail or use a tax professional. 
3. Understand your deductions and credits: Be aware of the deductions and credits you can claim on your tax return. 
4. Fill out your tax forms: If you’re filing online, the tax preparation software will guide you through filling out IRS Form 1040 or other necessary forms. If you’re filing by mail, carefully fill out each form following the instructions provided.
5. Review and submit your return: Check for errors on your return and make sure all of the information matches accordingly. 
6. Keep copies of your tax return: Make sure you keep records of your tax return in case you need to verify your information. 
7. Follow up on your refund: You can use the IRS website to track your return in the process. 

What You Need Before You File

Having the documentation that you need in one place makes filing your taxes much easier. Here are some of the documents and information you’ll need: 

Personal and Household Info

• Identification: You’ll need an unexpired form of government-issued identification. Usually, it’s your driver’s license or passport. 
• Social Security number (SSN) or tax identification number (TIN): You’ll need your SSN and TIN for yourself, spouse (if you’re filing jointly) and dependents. 
• Bank information: Make sure you have your routing number and account number so your refund can be processed.

Income Documents

• Wages: You’ll need a W-2 for every place you worked in 2025. 
• Gig work or freelance details: Your freelance or gig work outlets should supply you with either a 1099-NEC or 1099-K. 
• Digital assets: You’ll receive Form 1099-DA, which brokers use to report your cryptocurrency and NFT sales.
• Investments: Any investments will have forms 1099-INT for interest, 1099-DIV for dividends and 1099-B for stock sales. 
• Retirement: You’ll be provided Form 1099-R for any distributions from IRAs, 401(k)s or pensions.

Deductions and Credits Records

Deductions lower your taxable income. The newest deductions are established via legislation under the One Big Beautiful Act (OBBA). Make sure you have this information available to claim them:

• Tips: Records of cash tips — if you’re claiming the deduction for the first $25,000.
• Overtime: Your final 2025 paystub to verify “qualified overtime” pay — up to $12,500.
• Seniors: Verification showing you’re at least 65 to claim the new $6,000 senior bonus.
• Auto loans: Interest statements for loans on U.S.-assembled new vehicles.
• Education: You can use Form 1098-T for tuition or 1098-E for student loan interest.
• Homeownership: You need to provide Form 1098 for mortgage interest and records of property taxes paid. 
• Savings: You can also use Form 5498-SA for health savings account (HSA) contributions.

Special Situations

If you have purchased health insurance through the Healthcare Marketplace, made estimated quarterly tax payments or live in an area that has been declared a disaster area, make sure you have those forms handy.

How To File Your Taxes: 4 Filing Options

There are different ways to file your taxes. Use the table to find out what works best for you. 

File for Free

You can file for free if your adjusted gross income is less than $89,000. Most taxpayers will fall into this category. 

File Online

Tax preparation software is easily accessible online. It guides you through the entire process, helps you find tax credits and deductions, and files your federal and state taxes with the click of a button.

But if your taxes are more complicated — you have 1099 income, multiple jobs, own a business or own rental property — it may be better to hire a professional.

File by Mail

You can download Form 1040 directly from the IRS website. It’s free, and you can fill it out by hand and mail it, although this isn’t recommended for everyone.

It’s a more time-consuming process, there’s more room for error and you will need to fill out your state’s individual tax return form separately.

Hire a Tax Professional

A professional has expert knowledge and experience, making them better suited to handle more complex tax situations.

One of the primary disadvantages of hiring a professional tax preparer or accountant is the cost. Fees for these services vary widely, but they can be expensive.

Free vs. Paid Filing: Which Is Right for You?

Whether you decide to file your return for free or elect to use a paid software service depends on your income. Check out this table to determine the best approach for you:

After You File — What Happens Next

So, when can you expect your refund or tax bill?

How To Track Your Return

You can use the tool on the IRS website called “Where’s My Refund?” Once you enter the information, you can expect to see the following: 

• Return received: The IRS has received your tax return and is in the process of verifying your identity and running other automated checks. 
• Refund approved: The IRS has approved your taxes and issued a refund. 
• Refund sent: You should receive a check in the mail or a direct deposit into your account. 

Refund Timing

Your refund timing is determined by how you decided to file your return. 

• Filed electronically: Taxpayers will receive their refund in 21 days. 
• Filed via mail: Taxpayers will receive their refund within four to six weeks. 
• If you claimed an EITC or the CTC: Expect a delay. The IRS can hold your refund until mid-February to double-check your income. 

Common Tax Filing Mistakes To Avoid

There are common tax filing mistakes that you should avoid: 

• Filing too early: Even though you may have received your W-2, you may still need K-1s and 1099s for crypto and other investments. If you file before all your documents have arrived, your return may be flagged by the IRS.
• Check your filing status: With the new legislation, you may find that your filing status is different. You don’t want to miss out on important deductions based on your filing status. 
• Don’t forget your deductions: The OBBA has added new deductions. Don’t forget to include those in your return since they can reduce your taxable income. 
• Make sure your identification information matches: Check your name and Social Security number on your returns. 

How Long To Keep Tax Records

The IRS recommends keeping your returns for three years. Here are some other recommendations: 

• 3 years: The standard rule for most records like W-2s, 1099s and receipts for deductions.
• 6 years: Keep records if you underreported your income by more than 25%.
• 7 years: Keep records related to “worthless securities” or bad debt deductions.

Key Takeaways

• Income level and type determine whether or not you need to file taxes. 
• Even if you have a low income, if you earned a certain amount through self-employment, want to claim a tax credit or had any taxes withheld, you’ll need to file a return. 
• The quickest way to get your refund is to e-file your taxes and receive your refund via direct deposit. 
• Make sure you double-check your tax return before filing to avoid any delays or penalties. 

Caitlyn Moorhead and Josephine Nesbit contributed to the reporting of this article.

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