{"id":353964,"date":"2022-08-19T07:44:43","date_gmt":"2022-08-19T12:44:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/tax\/federal-taxes\/tax-basics-a-beginners-guide-to-taxes.html"},"modified":"2025-02-12T11:20:00","modified_gmt":"2025-02-12T16:20:00","slug":"tax-basics-a-beginners-guide-to-taxes","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/tax\/federal-taxes\/tax-basics-a-beginners-guide-to-taxes.html","title":{"rendered":"Tax Basics: A Beginner’s Guide to U.S. Federal Taxes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Tax Basics: A Beginner's Guide to U.S. Federal Taxes<\/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 updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\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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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

The U.S. tax code was written by Congress and it governs the collection of taxes, enforcement of federal tax rules, and who receives tax refunds, rebates, and credits. The Internal Revenue Service<\/a> (IRS) is the government agency within the U.S. Department of Treasury that carries out these functions.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n

First-time filers need an understanding of tax basics. This beginner’s guide will give you an overview of the federal tax system. <\/p>\n

These frequently asked questions can help explain what you need to know about filing taxes:<\/p>\n