{"id":353962,"date":"2022-08-19T07:44:42","date_gmt":"2022-08-19T12:44:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/tax\/federal-taxes\/preparing-your-tax-return.html"},"modified":"2023-10-19T14:56:43","modified_gmt":"2023-10-19T19:56:43","slug":"preparing-your-tax-return","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/tax\/federal-taxes\/preparing-your-tax-return.html","title":{"rendered":"Tax Return Preparation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Tax Return Preparation<\/h1>\n
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\n By J.P. Finet, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by J.P. Finet, J.D.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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Almost every U.S. resident who earns at least some income must file a federal individual income tax return every year. Unfortunately, the U.S. tax code is highly complex. Many taxpayers are uncertain whether they should prepare their own taxes, pay for tax software, or hire a professional.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

In the following sections, we will explain the basics of tax return preparation to help you decide whether to prepare your own returns or turn to a tax professional for help.
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What Are the Filing Options?<\/h2>\r\n

When you file your annual federal income tax return with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) you have several options.<\/p>\r\n

Paper Filing<\/h3>\r\n

While it has become easier and less expensive to e-file in recent years, millions of Americans still file their taxes by filling out a paper return each year and mailing it to the IRS. While you can still manually fill out the forms using a pen, most tax forms are available on the IRS website<\/a> as fillable PDFs that allow you to type in the necessary information and print it out.<\/p>\r\n

If you choose to prepare your returns, you can take advantage of the IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance<\/a> (VITA) program. VITA offers tax help to people who make less than $60,000 a year, have disabilities, speak limited English, or otherwise qualify.<\/p>\r\n

Free File<\/h3>\r\n

Taxpayers and families with a total adjusted gross income for 2022 of $73,000 or less are eligible to electronically file a tax return for free using tax preparation software provided through websites partnered with the IRS. The advantage of free federal electronic filing is that the software will guide you through the preparation process and do all the math. A list of free file partners is available on the IRS website<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

Paid Software Products<\/h3>\r\n

If you don’t qualify for IRS free file and want to use online tax preparation software to guide you through preparing and filing your return, TurboTax and other providers can help. The software can also help you through some complex tax situations. It can also help if you are self-employed or own a small business. While these sites will charge you for using their software, many will let you pay for their services using your tax refund (if you receive one).<\/p>\r\n

Tax Professionals<\/h3>\r\n

You can always turn to a tax professional if you are uncomfortable preparing your return or have complex financial or tax situations. The term "tax professional" covers a broad range of tax preparers, from the tax part-time help in the local tax office who has had some training in basic tax concepts to tax attorneys<\/a> and CPAs who can address any personal or business tax situation you might face. So before you turn to a tax pro for help, ensure they have the qualifications.<\/p>\r\n

One significant disadvantage of using a tax professional is that you must get your tax information to them well before your filing deadline<\/a> so they have time to prepare your return.<\/p>\r\n

Considerations When Choosing How to File<\/h3>\r\n

When you are deciding how you should prepare your taxes, you should consider the following questions addressing issues that may complicate your return:<\/p>\r\n