Do I even need to file a tax return?

If you earned more than $13,850 as a single filer in 2024, you probably do. But even if you made
less, filing might get you a refund on taxes that were withheld.

What documents do I need?

▷ W-2s (for employees)

▷ 1099s (for gig/freelance work)

▷ Direct deposit info (bank routing & account number)

▷ Student loan interest (Form 1098-E)

▷ Education expenses (Form 1098-T)

Can I file for free?

Yes! IRS Free File and services like TurboTax, H&R Block, and Credit Karma offer free options for
simpler tax returns.

What if I make a mistake?

You can always fix it later using Form 1040-X (the correction form). Filing something is better than
avoiding it entirely.

Final Tip

Filing taxes is a skill that will serve you for life. The more confident you become now, the more
prepared you'll be to handle your financial future.