Filing Your Taxes

Filing your 2026 taxes for the 2025 tax year is straightforward if you follow key IRS-recommended steps. The filing season opened on January 26, 2026, with a deadline of April 15, 2026.

Gather Documents

Start by collecting all income records like W-2s from employers, 1099 forms for freelance, interest, dividends, or gig work, and records of digital asset transactions. Also include prior IRS notices, Social Security numbers, and proof of deductions or credits such as health insurance forms.

Review Requirements

Determine if you must file based on your income exceeding the standard deduction, and check your filing status (single, married, etc.). Review 2025 tax law changes from the One, Big, Beautiful Bill, including new credits needing valid SSNs by the filing date, and answer the digital assets question on Form 1040.

Choose Filing Method

Use free IRS options like Free File (for AGI under $89,000) or Fillable Forms, tax software like TurboTax, or paper Form 1040 mailed to the IRS. Opt for direct deposit to speed refunds, as paper checks are phasing out.

Complete and Submit

Fill out Form 1040 (or 1040-SR for seniors), calculate taxes owed or refunds, and e-file for faster processing. Request an extension with Form 4868 if needed, but pay any owed taxes by April 15 to avoid penalties.