Do you need to file? (and why you might want to anyway)
If your income is below the filing threshold, you’re not required to file—but you may still want to. If your employer withheld any federal income tax from your paychecks, filing is the only way to get that money back. You could also be owed a refundable credit that pays out even if you owe nothing.
Something to note on filing thresholds beyond the general rule above:
- Self-employed people have a much lower threshold—$400 in net self-employment earnings, regardless of overall income.
- Dependents (someone claimed on a parent’s return) have separate, lower thresholds based on earned vs. unearned income—not the $16,100 figure at all.
What to gather before you start - the basics
- Social Security number and any dependents’ information
- W-2s from employers and 1099s from freelance or gig work
- Your bank account and routing number for direct deposit - the quickest way to get your refund
Don’t forget these sources of taxable income
W-2 wages are just the start. Before you file, make sure you’ve accounted for every source of income you had during the year—the IRS gets copies of these forms too, so missing one can trigger a notice later.
- Freelance, gig, or contract work (Form 1099-NEC): Rideshare driving, freelance design, tutoring, or any self-employed income.
- Interest income (Form 1099-INT): Including savings accounts, CDs, and bonds.
- Dividends (Form 1099-DIV): Payouts from stocks or mutual funds.
- Retirement account withdrawals (Form 1099-R): Pensions, 401(k)s, or IRA distributions.
- Unemployment compensation (Form 1099-G): Yes, this counts as taxable income.
- Investment sales (Form 1099-B): Gains from selling stocks, bonds, or cryptocurrency.
- Rental income: Money earned from renting out property, even a room in your home.
- Prizes, awards, or gambling winnings: Reported regardless of the amount.
- Cancelled or forgiven debt (Form 1099-C): Often overlooked, but the IRS treats forgiven debt as income.
- Alimony: Only if you’re under a divorce or separation agreement executed before 2019.
If you’re missing any of these forms, check your email or online accounts with the issuer—most are available electronically by mid-February.
Choosing your filing status
The filing statuses include:
- Single: If you’re unmarried, divorced, or legally separated.
- Married filing separately: If you’re filing your own tax returns individually.
- Married filing jointly: If you’re filing a single return as a couple.
- Head of household: If you’re unmarried, pay more than half the cost of keeping up a home, and have a qualifying dependent.
- Qualifying surviving spouse: If you’re a widow(er) with a dependent child. Generally eligible for up to two years after your spouse’s death.
Standard deduction vs. itemizing
For most first-time filers with simple finances—one or two jobs, no mortgage, no major medical bills—the standard deduction is both larger and easier than itemizing. Itemizing only makes sense once your deductible expenses add up to more than the standard deduction for your filing status.
| Filing status | Standard deduction (tax year 2026) |
|---|---|
| Single | $16,100 |
| Married filing separately | $16,100 |
| Married filing jointly | $32,200 |
| Head of household | $24,150 |
| Qualifying surviving spouse | $32,200 |
Source: Internal Revenue Service
Note: If you’re using tax software, it can help make this determination for you.
How to file your first return
- Choose a free or paid e-filing option.
- Enter your income from your applicable forms noted above.
- Answer questions about credits and deductions you may qualify for.
- Review, sign, and submit electronically for the fastest refund.
If you’re not sure which tax forms apply to your situation, see what forms you need to file taxes before you get started.
