Search
Close this search box.
Pen and paper icon

Tax Returns: Everything You Need to Know in 7 Steps

Tax returns are an essential part of every individual’s financial life. It is the process of submitting information about your income, deductions, and credits to the government to calculate the amount of taxes owed or refund due.

Here is a step-by-step guide to help you understand the tax return process:

  1. Gather all necessary documents:

Before you start preparing your tax return, make sure you have all the required documents such as W-2 forms from your employer, 1099 forms from any freelance work, receipts for any deductions you plan to claim, and any other relevant information. Employers have the responsibility of ensuring that you receive your documents by a set date every year, making it crucial to stay aware of document deadlines annually.

  • Choose a tax filing method

There are two main options for filing taxes: you can file your taxes online using tax preparation software or you can file a paper return. Check with us at Coastline Federal Credit Union to see if you can save on tax software services.

  • Determine your filing status: 

Your filing status determines the amount of your standard deduction and tax bracket. The five filing statuses are single, married filing jointly, married filing separately, head of household, and qualifying widow(er) with dependent child.

  • Calculate your taxable income:

This is done by subtracting any eligible deductions from your total income. Common deductions include mortgage interest, charitable donations, and state and local taxes.

  • Calculate your tax liability:

Once you have determined your taxable income, you can use the tax table or tax calculator to calculate your tax liability. This amount is the total amount of taxes you owe to the government.

  • Check for tax credits:

Tax credits are a dollar-for-dollar reduction of your tax liability and can result in a larger refund. Some common tax credits include the Earned Income Tax Credit, the Child Tax Credit, and the American Opportunity Tax Credit.

  • File your tax return:

 Finally, you can file your tax return either electronically or by mail. If you owe taxes, you will need to make a payment by the tax deadline. You will receive a refund within a few weeks of filing if you are due a refund.

Preparing and filing your tax return can be an intimidating process. However, with proper preparation and resources, tax season can be relatively straightforward. Understanding the steps involved and gathering all the necessary information can ensure a stress-free tax season.

Once you receive your return, consider placing it in an interest-bearing account, like one of our three options below.

  • Share Certificate — With returns guaranteed, our share certificates are the perfect place to increase your return. Choose the right term and rate that works for you! 
  • Money Market — Reach your savings goals even faster with tiered rates—the bigger your balance, the better your earnings.
  • Savings — What’s better than having a secure place to store your money? A secure interest-bearing savings account easily accessible to you.

Need more assistance? Contact Us


Sources:

https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/tax-pro/what-documents-do-i-need-to-bring-to-my-tax-preparer/L9MsmLTSq

https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/taxes/tax-filing

https://www.investopedia.com/terms/t/taxableincome.asp

https://www.investopedia.com/terms/t/taxliability.asp

https://www.investopedia.com/terms/t/taxcredit.asp

You are now leaving Coastline Federal Credit Union

Coastline Federal Credit Union provides links to web sites of other organizations in order to provide visitors with certain information. A link does not constitute an endorsement of content, viewpoint, policies, products or services of that web site. Once you link to another web site not maintained by Coastline Federal Credit Union, you are subject to the terms and conditions of that web site, including but not limited to its privacy policy.

You will be redirected to

Click the link above to continue or CANCEL