Gathering records is the first step of tax preparation Internal Revenue Service

This free tax resource is available for the military community, offered through the Department of Defense. MilTax includes tax preparation and electronic filing software, personalized support from tax consultants and current information about filing taxes. It’s designed to address the realities of military life – including deployments, combat and training pay, housing and rentals and multi-state filings. Eligible taxpayers can use MilTax to electronically file a federal tax return and up to three state returns for free. Before you begin working on your personal income tax return, it’s a good idea to collect and organize your tax documents and related records.

As the 2025 tax season approaches, the IRS has rolled out key updates and tools to help taxpayers prepare effectively. Taxpayers can create or access their personal IRS Online Account, where they can find all their tax-related information for the 2025 filing season. New users will need to have a photo ID ready to verify their identity.

• Certain discount offers may not be valid for mobile in-app purchases and may be available only for a limited period of time.
• If you’re not yet using it, make this your first step toward a smoother tax season.
• This means an eligible taxpayer may get a refund even if they don’t owe any tax.
• These tools are available 24/7 on IRS.gov and can save you hours of frustration.

So, take some time to document and understand how these changes might affect your tax filing. It can help to create a dedicated folder or digital space for the following documents. For estimated tax purposes, the year is divided into four payment periods, with the last payment due in mid-January. You will be notified once your ITIN is assigned or if additional information is needed.

With the proper preparation, you can take control of the process and set yourself up for a smooth and hassle-free experience. Think of it as your road map to staying organized, avoiding costly mistakes, and ensuring you don’t miss out on potential savings. There are a number of things taxpayers can do to get ready as the start of the 2025 tax season approaches.

Organize your tax records

Credit amounts may change each year, so visit IRS.gov and use the Interactive Tax Assistant to identify whether you qualify for any tax credits that may call for a withholding adjustment. Life changes – getting married or divorced, welcoming a child, or taking on a second job – may also mean changing withholding. We recommend printing the PDF version of the checklist and then placing it in a file folder or attaching it to the outside of the folder.

Get an Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN)

The best way to sign up for an IP PIN is through the IRS Online Account. If an individual is unable to create an Online Account, alternative methods are available, such as in-person authentication at a Taxpayer Assistance Center. More information is available on how to sign up at Get an identity protection PIN (IP PIN). That’s why the IRS recommends starting tax prep by gathering your records early.

IRS ‘Get Ready’ Campaign Helps Taxpayers Prepare for Filing Season

Janet Berry-Johnson, CPA, is a freelance writer with a background in accounting and income tax planning and preparation for individuals and small businesses. Janet has been nominated as a top Woman in Accounting by Practice Ignition and honored as a Top 100 Innovative Women in Tax by Canopy Tax. Tax credits are a dollar-for-dollar reduction in the amount of tax you owe. Generally, you’ll need the following documentation to claim potentially valuable tax credits.

Steps to file

For example, you can contribute to your traditional IRA by April 15, 2025, and potentially lower your taxable income for 2024. Gather all the documents that confirm the money you received during the previous year. We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence.

Documentation Checklist for Taxes

• Prepare and file your taxes online – for free- with Direct File directly and securely with the IRS.
• Some of the Free File packages also offer free state tax return preparation.
• If you had a name change or moved during the year, you’ll need to let the IRS know.

It highlights key updates and important steps for making tax filing easier in 2025. If you don’t already have an IRS online account, now is the best time to create one. With an online account, you can access important information, such as your prior year’s adjusted gross income (AGI), that you might need this tax season. Although the federal income tax filing deadline isn’t until April, the 2025 tax season will be here before you know it. But you don’t need to wait until late January gets here to start getting ready. Though everyone’s tax situation is different, here’s a list of common tax forms and records you’ll want to assemble prior to filing your tax return.

While the program has been in existence since 2001, you may not have heard of it. Since online tax software providers donate their free services, they tend not to advertise them. And while the IRS estimates that 70% of all taxpayers qualify for Free File, only a small percentage of taxpayers have used it. There are several documents and pieces of information you can pull together before you meet with your accountant or sit down to do your taxes. To help you prepare, we’ve created a printable tax prep checklist so you can pull together your documentation with ease.

She has been instrumental in tax product reviews and online tax calculators to help individuals make informed tax decisions. Her work has been featured in Yahoo Finance, Bankrate.com, SmartAsset, Black Enterprise, New Orleans Agenda, and more. Digging out your previous return helps ensure you’ll have the required documentation to prepare your tax return this year. CPA Practice Advisor is the definitive technology and practice management resource for accounting and tax professionals.

Certified public accountants, Enrolled Agents, attorneys and others without formal credentials are just a few of the professionals who help taxpayers file their returns accurately. It is important to choose a professional who is skilled and trustworthy. Also, the IRS urges taxpayers to use identity protection PINs to help guard against identity theft in tax filings.

Most tax return preparers provide outstanding and professional tax service. However, choosing the wrong tax return preparer hurts taxpayers financially every year. Be sure to check our tips for choosing a tax preparer get ready for taxes and how to avoid unethical “ghost” return preparers. Planning ahead can help you file an accurate return and avoid delays that can slow your tax refund.

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