Filing Basics
Start here if you are new to filing or something went sideways: who has to file, which documents to gather, how extensions and amended returns work, and what to do about missing forms.
General information only — not tax, legal or financial advice. Verify current figures at IRS.gov. Full disclaimer.
How to File Taxes for Free: 7 Legitimate Ways
How to file your federal taxes for free: IRS Free File, Fillable Forms, VITA, MilTax and state options, who qualifies for each, and how to avoid “free” traps.
Get the answerIRS Free File: Who Qualifies and How to Choose a Provider
IRS Free File eligibility: the AGI limit for the most recent filing season, partner-specific rules, how to start, and what to do if you do not qualify. Check current-year details.
Get the answerWhat Is VITA? Free Tax Preparation Help Explained
What VITA and TCE are, who qualifies for free in-person tax help, what documents to bring, how to find a site and what volunteers can and cannot do.
Get the answerIs IRS Direct File Available? Status and Alternatives
What IRS Direct File was, why it is not available for the 2026 filing season, and the free alternatives to use instead. Check IRS.gov for current status.
Get the answerFree File Fillable Forms: How They Work and Who Should Use Them
What IRS Free File Fillable Forms are, who can use them (no income limit), what they do not include, and tips for filing accurately. Verify current-year dates on IRS.gov.
Get the answerDo I Need to File a Tax Return? Filing Requirements Explained
Find out whether you are required to file a federal tax return: gross income thresholds by filing status, self-employment rules, dependents, and why filing can still help if you are not required.
Get the answerWhat Documents Do I Need to File Taxes? A Complete List
The documents you need to file your taxes: IDs, income forms (W-2, 1099s), deduction records, credits paperwork, bank details and how to get missing forms.
Get the answerHow to File Taxes Without a W-2 (Missing or Lost Form)
Missing or lost W-2? Learn how to get a copy, use an IRS wage and income transcript, and when and how to file using Form 4852 if your employer does not respond.
Get the answerHow to File Taxes Late (or File Past-Due Returns)
Missed the tax deadline? Learn the late filing and late payment penalties, how to file past-due returns, how to get missing forms and how to request penalty relief.
Get the answerHow to File a Tax Extension (and What It Doesn’t Do)
How to request a six-month federal tax extension with Form 4868 or an IRS payment, what it does and does not cover, deadlines and state extensions.
Get the answerHow to Amend a Tax Return With Form 1040-X
When and how to amend a federal tax return with Form 1040-X: common reasons, e-filing, deadlines, how long it takes and how to track amended return status.
Get the answerWhich Filing Status Should I Choose? Single, Joint, Separate or Head of Household
How to choose your federal filing status: single, married filing jointly or separately, head of household and qualifying surviving spouse, with the rules and standard deduction for each.
Get the answerWho Can I Claim as a Dependent on My Taxes?
Who qualifies as a dependent for federal taxes: the qualifying child and qualifying relative tests, divorced-parent rules, tax benefits and common mistakes.
Get the answerWhat Is Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) and Where Do I Find It?
What AGI means on your tax return, how it is calculated, where to find it on Form 1040 and your prior-year return, and why it matters for credits and e-filing.
Get the answerHow Long Should You Keep Tax Records and Returns?
How long to keep tax returns, receipts and supporting documents: the three-year rule, longer periods for special cases, and what to keep forever. Based on IRS guidance.
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General information only — not tax, legal or financial advice. Tax figures change every year; verify the current numbers at IRS.gov or with a qualified professional. Read the full disclaimer.