First time filing taxes?

Don’t panic! Just follow these 5 steps.

Filing your taxes for the first time can feel like a rite of passage- one that comes with a lot of questions and confusion. At SuperNOVA tax solutions, we specialize in helping new and returning filers make sense of it all. Here’s your simple, no-fluff guide to filing your first return with confidence. 

1. 📂 Start with the Right Documents

Make sure you have:

• W-2s from your employers
• 1099s if you did freelance or gig work
• 1098-T from your school if you paid tuition
• Any receipts for student loans interest, donations, etc. 

🛠 Tip: Keep everything in one folder—paper or digital—for easy access.

2. 👥 Choose the Right Filing Status

Are you single, or do you qualify as head of household? If someone else (like a parent) can claim you as a dependent, that could affect your refund. Filing status determines your standard deduction and your eligibility for credits. 

3. 💻 Decide How to File

• IRS Free File: For those earning under $84,000/year (income requirements can change year to year)
• Tax Software: Intuitive, but may miss opportunities
• Tax Pro Help: Best if you’re unsure or claiming credits

4. 🎁 Check for Valuable Credits and Deductions

You might be eligible for:

• Lifetime learning credit
• American opportunity credit
• Student loan interest deduction
• Earned income tax credit

Even if you didn’t earn much, you might still get a refund!

5. 📬 File Electronically + Choose Direct Deposit

This is the fastest and safest way to get your refund- usually within 21 business days. Paper filing delays everything and can get lost or stolen in transit!

🌠 Your First Return Doesn’t Have to Be a Headache

With a bit of guidance and the right support, your first tax return can go smoothly- and even earn you money back. Let SuperNOVA Tax Solutions walk you through the process. We’ve helped many first-time filers file with confidence and claim every dollar they deserve.