A Beginner’s Guide: How to File Your Own Taxes in 2025

If you’re tired of paying someone else to handle your taxes, you can file your own return to save money. 

It might seem intimidating to wade through tax forms – how do you even know which ones to use? But it’s not as difficult as you might think. 

This guide will demystify the process and empower you to take control of your finances when you file your taxes with the IRS in 2025 like a pro. 

10 Steps for Filing Your Own Taxes

Breaking down the process into 10 steps will help you confidently navigate tax season and make filing your taxes a manageable experience.

Step 1: Gather Documentation

Having all your tax documents in one place reduces the risk of errors that could lead to penalties or missed deductions. Having the forms and receipts you need to avoid triggering an audit is critical. 

Organizing your documents before filling out your return will save you time and reduce stress. Proper documentation will help you identify and claim eligible deductions and credits that may reduce your tax liability or increase your refund. 

If you get audited, being able to produce well-organized records will help you validate your claims. 

You need documents that show your income, such as forms W-2, 1099, Schedule K-1, self-employment income records and other income, such as alimony received, jury duty pay or other income that’s not reported on a W-2 or 1099. 

You’ll also need to provide documentation for deductions and credits. Throughout the year, you should keep your receipts for medical expenses, property taxes, charitable contributions, mortgage interest and student loan interest in one place. 

Also, keep records for education and retirement expenses, retirement contributions to individual retirement accounts and 401(k)s, health savings accounts and receipts for office supplies, travel expenses and other business-related costs. 

Your previous year’s tax return can help verify information.

Step 2: Determine Filing Status

Your filing status impacts your tax liability by determining your tax rates, standard deduction and eligibility for different credits and deductions.

Choosing the wrong filing status can result in overpaying or underpaying your taxes, which could result in penalties, so it’s important to know your status to complete your tax return accurately. 

Single

You are considered single if you’re unmarried, divorced or legally separated according to state law on Dec. 31 – the last day of the tax year. Single filers have no dependents and don’t qualify for another filing status. 

Married Filing Jointly or Surviving Spouse

Married couples using this status combine their income, deductions and credits on a single tax return, often resulting in the lowest tax liability. 

You can file as a surviving spouse for two years after your spouse's death if you have a dependent child who lives at home with you. You’ll get the same tax rate and standard deduction as couples using the married filing jointly status. 

Head of Household

You can file as head of household if you’re unmarried and pay more than half the cost of keeping up a home for yourself and a qualifying dependent. This status offers a larger standard deduction and more favorable tax rates than if you file as a single person. 

Married Filing Separately

Married couples can file separate returns, but it’s more complicated and can cause issues if you live in a community property state. Filing separately may also result in a higher tax liability than filing jointly.

Couples might choose this status if one spouse only wants responsibility for their taxes. The status also can reduce tax liability if there are significant medical expenses, but you might lose tax credits and deductions if you go this route. 

Step 3: Choose a Tax Preparation Method

Tax Preparation Software

Tax preparation software will guide you through completing your tax return by asking questions and providing forms. Then, it calculates your taxes and checks for errors. 

Most software allows you to file electronically, and you can choose a package that fits your situation, whether you’re filing a simple return or a more complex one, such as for self-employed people. 

Tax preparation software is a good choice for people whose tax situation is straightforward and who want to save on tax preparation fees because it's usually cheaper than hiring a professional. Most software is easy to navigate, but it’s helpful if you’re comfortable using a computer and following instructions.

You’ll probably be limited to online help or phone assistance if you need support. Tax preparation software also may not be suitable for extremely complex tax situations. 

Tax software’s electronic filing capabilities also mean you could get your refund faster. 

IRS Direct File Pilot Program

The IRS is running a new program allowing eligible taxpayers to file their federal income taxes online directly with the IRS. The easy-to-use program is in its pilot phase and is only available to some taxpayers in certain states. 

It’s a good free option if you live in a participating state and have a simple tax situation. This isn't an option if you have a more complex tax situation. 

It’s a new program, so there could be bugs in the system. Be patient.

File by Mail

You can manually fill out tax forms you get from the IRS or your local post office. You’ll have to do all the math to calculate your taxes and then mail them to the IRS. 

If you like to work with paper forms and are comfortable calculating your taxes, this is a good option if you have a simple tax situation. You won’t have to buy tax software, and you’ll have complete control. 

But filing by mail is time-consuming and you risk making errors. You’ll also wait longer for your refund, and there’s the risk that your return will be lost in the mail. And if you make a mistake, it will be much harder to correct than an electronically filed return.

Step 4: Obtain Tax Forms 

The IRS website is the best source for getting the most up-to-date federal tax forms and instructions. 

If you’re using a tax preparation software program, updated forms will be included so you won’t have to search for and download them. 

If you use the IRS Direct File program, you’ll find all the forms you need in the program. You just have to complete the sections and the system will generate the form, so you won’t need to download anything. 

If you file by mail, you can find the specific forms you need at IRS.gov, where you can download them and print them. You can also order physical copies of tax forms through the IRS website or by calling 1-800-TAX-FORM. 

Step 5: Calculate Income

Calculating your income correctly is a critical step in preparing your taxes. Consider all of your income sources – wages, self-employment income, income from rental properties, interest and dividends, capital gains and losses and Social Security benefits. It may seem counterintuitive, but you’ll also have to pay taxes on any unemployment compensation you receive. Alimony, gambling winnings and jury duty pay are also taxable income. 

Step 6: Claim Deductions

Identifying and claiming tax deductions will help you minimize the amount you must pay the IRS. 

Because it’s easier, most taxpayers choose the standard deduction, a fixed dollar amount based on your filing status. 

If your itemized deductions are more than the standard deduction, you may want to choose this route. However, it requires more record-keeping. You’ll have to keep track of expenses such as mortgage interest statements, medical receipts and charitable donations. 

If you’re not claiming the standard deduction, you can itemize some of the following. 

Mortgage interest

If you own a house, you can deduct the interest you pay on your mortgage, significantly reducing your taxable income. You’ll get a Form 1098 from your mortgage lender. You can deduct home mortgage interest on the first $750,000 of your debt or the interest on $375,000 if you’re married filing separately.

Charitable contributions

If you itemize, you can deduct donations to charitable organizations. You’ll need to keep records such as receipts of your contributions, and there are limits to the amount you can deduct – in most cases, it’s 60% of your adjusted gross income. 

Medical expenses

If you itemize, you can deduct medical expenses such as bandages, body scans and crutches that exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income for yourself, your spouse and your dependents. You must keep detailed records of all medical expenses. Visit the IRS website for a full list of eligible medical expense deductions. 

Bad debts

If you can’t collect money someone owes you, you may be able to deduct it, but you must have previously included the amount in your income or lent out your cash. If you’re a cash-method taxpayer, you generally can’t take a bad debt deduction for unpaid salaries, wages, rents, fees, interest or dividends. To deduct a bad debt, you must show that you planned to make a loan and not a gift at the time of the transaction. 

Personal property taxes

You can deduct personal property taxes based on the value of personal property, such as your car or a boat. The tax must be charged to you on an annual basis. 

State and local taxes

You can deduct state and local income taxes, sales taxes and property taxes up to a combined limit of $10,000. You must keep records of all taxes paid. 

Step 7: Complete Tax Forms

Filling out your tax forms accurately is key to avoiding penalties and delays in processing your return. 

If you’re using tax software, carefully input all your information as prompted by the software. Double-check your Social Security number, name, address and income figures. If the software allows you to import data directly from W-2s, 1099s and other forms, use that feature to minimize the risk of errors. Use the software’s error check features to find potential issues before you file. 

If you’re filling out paper forms, consider the requirements and definitions. Use black ink and print within the designated boxes to ensure your return is legible. Review your completed form carefully for accuracy because errors can lead to penalties, interest charges and delays in processing your refund. Don’t forget to sign and date your tax return. 

Step 8: Submit Your Tax Return

Submitting your tax return varies depending on how you prepare it. 

If you used tax preparation software for e-filing, use the final review tools to check for errors and missing information, then follow the software’s instructions for submitting your return electronically. The IRS will send you electronic confirmation that it has received your return – keep it for your records. If you’re expecting a refund, provide your bank account information for direct deposit, which is the fastest way to receive your refund. 

If you’re using the IRS Direct File pilot program, review the information and follow the on-screen instructions to submit your return to the IRS. Provide your bank information to receive a direct deposit. You’ll get an electronic confirmation from the IRS after you submit your return. 

If you’re filing by mail, review your paper forms for accuracy and ensure you’ve signed and dated your return. Include copies of all necessary supporting documents, such as W-2s and 1099s. Make sure you use the correct mailing address and mail your return using certified mail with a return receipt requested so you have proof that the IRS received your return. Keep a copy of your return and supporting documents for your records. 

Step 9: Pay Any Taxes Owed

Pay the taxes you owe by the April 15 deadline to avoid penalties and interest. If you can’t meet the deadline, file for an extension using Form 4868, but remember that an extension to file is not an extension to pay – pay your estimated taxes by the original deadline. 

Several methods of paying your taxes are available. You can use IRS Direct Pay, a free and secure online service that lets you pay directly from your checking or savings account. 

The Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) from the U.S. Department of the Treasury is good for individuals and businesses making recurring tax payments, such as quarterly estimated taxes. 

The IRS2Go app allows you to pay your taxes from your mobile device. 

Other methods include debit or credit cards, your digital wallet, a check or money order payable to the IRS or cash at IRS retail partners. 

Step 10: Keep Records and Check for Updates

It’s important to keep copies of your tax returns and all supporting documents for at least three years, but longer retention is advised. The IRS generally has a three-year audit window, but there are exceptions, such as substantial income underreporting or fraud, which extend the period to six years or indefinitely. 

Keeping your records is important – and not just the tax return itself. You should also have documents like W-2s, 1099s, receipts and bank statements available. Create an organized system – physical or digital – to store the records so you can easily retrieve them in case you are audited. 

Also, stay informed about evolving tax laws. Tax regulations change, and awareness of those changes is necessary for tax planning. Look at sources like IRS.gov, reputable tax publications and qualified professionals to stay abreast of changes to tax rates, deductions, credits and forms throughout the year – not just at filing time. 

Conquering Your 2025 Tax Filing with Confidence

Filing your taxes in 2025 doesn’t have to be an ordeal. By gathering documentation, determining your filing status and picking the right tax preparation method, you can confidently get through the process. Thorough record-keeping and staying informed about changing laws are important. Using these 10 steps will help you take control of your financial responsibilities and may maximize your refund and minimize stress. 

Frequently Asked Questions