First Time Filing Taxes? Here's What You Need to Know
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.