Filing your federal income tax return for the first time can feel overwhelming, but the process is more straightforward than most people expect. Whether you just started your first job, recently graduated, or moved to the United States, this guide walks you through exactly how to file taxes online from start to finish.
The good news: most first-time filers can complete their entire tax return in a single evening. With your documents ready and a clear plan, you’ll know your refund status before the week is out.
Start here: what first‑time online filers need to know
Take a breath. Filing taxes online is simpler than it sounds, and millions of Americans complete the process every year without issues. For Tax Year 2025, the standard filing deadline is April 15, 2026, giving you plenty of time to prepare.
What does “filing taxes online” actually mean?
When you file your taxes online, you’re submitting your federal Form 1040 (and potentially a state return) electronically through IRS-approved software or a tax website. This process, called e-filing, sends your tax return directly to IRS servers where it’s processed faster than paper returns.
This article is for U.S. individuals filing a federal tax return for the first time—new workers, recent graduates, and anyone who hasn’t navigated this process before.
Your three main options to file online:
- IRS Free File: Free guided software for taxpayers meeting income requirements
- Commercial tax software: Platforms like ezTaxReturn with free and paid tiers
- A tax pro who e-files on your behalf: Professional tax preparation where an expert handles everything
What to expect:
- Time required: 1–3 hours if your documents are ready
- Complexity: Most first-time filers with W-2 income can complete everything in one sitting
- Refund timeline: E-filed returns with direct deposit typically receive refunds within about 21 days
Decide if you need to file a tax return at all
Before diving into tax preparation, you should determine whether you’re actually required to file. Not everyone needs to, but many people should file even when it’s optional.
When filing is required (Tax Year 2025):
The IRS sets income thresholds based on your filing status and age. For 2025, you generally must file if your gross income exceeds the standard deduction:
- Single, under 65: Approximately $15,750
- Single, 65 or older: Approximately $17,750
- Married filing jointly, both under 65: Approximately $31,500
- Head of household, under 65: Approximately $23,625
These numbers change annually. Always confirm current-year thresholds on IRS.gov before making filing decisions.
Reasons to file even if you’re not required:
You might qualify for money back even if your income falls below these limits:
- Federal taxes were withheld from your paychecks and you’re owed a refund
- You’re eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
- You can claim education credits like the American Opportunity Credit
- You qualify for the Child Tax Credit
How to check your filing requirement:
The IRS offers an official “Do I Need to File a Tax Return?” tool on IRS.gov. You’ll answer simple questions about your age, income, and filing status, and the tool tells you whether filing is mandatory or optional.
A note for dependents and students:
If your parents claim you as a dependent, your filing rules differ from fully independent adults. Even with a part-time job and W-2 income, you may still need to file your own taxes while your parents claim you on their return. The IRS tool mentioned above accounts for this situation.
Gather your personal information and tax documents
Having everything ready before you start saves time and reduces errors. Collect these tax docs and keep them in one place.
Personal information:
- Full legal name exactly as it appears on your Social Security card
- Social Security number or ITIN
- Date of birth
- Current mailing address
- Email address you check regularly
Dependent information (if applicable):
- Names, Social Security numbers, and birth dates for children or other dependents you support
- This information is required to claim credits like the Child Tax Credit
Income documents:
- W-2 forms: From each 2025 employer (must be provided by February 2, 2026)
- 1099-NEC: For freelance, gig work, or self employment income
- 1099-K: For high-volume payment app income (Venmo, PayPal, marketplace sales)
- 1099-INT: For bank interest and investment income from accounts at any financial institution
- 1099-DIV: For dividend income from investments
- 1099-G: For unemployment benefits received
Deductions and credits documentation:
- 1098-T: For tuition payments (education credits)
- 1098-E: For student loan interest paid
- 1098: For mortgage interest paid
- Receipts for charitable donations over $250
- Childcare provider details: name, address, EIN or SSN, and total amount paid in 2025
- Records of expenses related to education, retirement contributions, or medical costs
Banking details for direct deposit:
- Bank routing number (9 digits)
- Account number
- Account type (checking or savings)
Direct deposit is the fastest way to receive your exact refund. You can find these numbers on a check or your bank’s website/app.
Quick checklist to screenshot:
- [ ] Social Security card (for exact name/SSN)
- [ ] All W-2s from employers
- [ ] All 1099 forms received
- [ ] Prior year AGI (if you filed last year)
- [ ] Bank account information
- [ ] Dependent SSNs and birth dates
Choose the right way to file online (free vs. paid options)
Picking the right filing method affects your experience, cost, and how much guidance you receive. Here’s how to decide.
IRS Free File (guided software at no cost):
If your adjusted gross income is below a certain threshold (around $89,000 or less, depending on the tax year and program), you can access free guided tax software through IRS Free File partners. These programs walk you through your return step by step and e file your federal return at no cost.
For military members and veterans, MilTax offers free federal and state filing through the Department of Defense regardless of income.
Commercial tax software (free and paid tiers):
Popular platforms like ezTaxReturn offer tiered services:
- Free tier: Typically covers simple returns with W-2 income, standard deduction, and limited credits
- Paid tiers: Handle more complex situations like itemizing deductions, investment income, self-employment, or rental income
These programs use a question-based interface to determine what forms you need, calculate your taxes automatically, and flag potential errors before you submit.
Fillable forms (for experienced filers):
The IRS also offers Free File Fillable Forms—essentially electronic versions of paper forms. There’s no income limit, but you get minimal guidance. This option works best for taxpayers who already understand tax law and can navigate forms without assistance.
How to choose:
Your Situation | Best Option |
|---|---|
W-2 job, no dependents, standard deduction | Free guided software (IRS Free File or free tier of commercial software) |
Multiple jobs or investment income | Commercial software (may need paid tier) |
Self-employment or freelance income | Paid software tier or tax pros |
Complex situations (rental property, sold assets) | Consider expert help from a tax professional |
Security matters:
Only use well-known, authorized e-file providers. Before entering your social security number or bank information, verify:
- The URL starts with “https://“
- You see a locked padlock icon in your browser
- The domain matches the official site
Step‑by‑step: how to file your taxes online for the first time
Follow this process from account creation to submission. Most first-time filers complete these steps in one sitting.
1. Create your account
Sign up with ezTaxReturn using your email address. Create a strong password and enable multi-factor authentication (a text code or authenticator app) for added security. This protects your sensitive tax information from unauthorized access.
2. Start a new 2025 tax return
Choose the 2025 federal tax return. Our software will prepare Form 1040 based on your answers.
3. Enter your personal details
Input your name (exactly as it appears on your Social Security card), SSN or ITIN, date of birth, and current address. Then select your filing status:
- Single
- Married Filing Jointly
- Married Filing Separately
- Head of Household
- Qualifying Surviving Spouse
Our software typically asks simple questions about your marriage and living situation to help you determine the correct filing status.
4. Add dependents
If you have children or other dependents, enter their names, Social Security numbers, and relationship to you. This enables credits like:
- Child Tax Credit
- Earned Income Tax Credit (for eligible filers)
- Child and Dependent Care Credit
5. Input your income
Enter information from your W-2 forms. Some software lets you import this data by uploading a photo or connecting to your employer’s payroll system. For manual entry, you’ll need:
- Employer information (Boxes a-c)
- Wages and tips (Box 1)
- Federal income tax withheld (Box 2)
- Social Security and Medicare information (Boxes 3-6)
- State tax information (Boxes 15-17)
Then add any additional income:
- 1099-NEC or 1099-K income (freelance, gig work)
- Interest from bank accounts
- Dividend income
- Unemployment benefits
6. Answer deduction and credit questions
ezTaxReturn walks you through potential deductions and credits by asking about:
- Student loan interest paid
- Tuition and education expenses
- Childcare costs
- Retirement contributions (IRA, 401k)
- Major life events (getting married, having a baby, moving for work)
Answer these questions honestly—our software uses your responses to identify every tax credit and deduction you qualify for, helping you get the max refund possible.
7. Standard deduction vs. itemizing
ezTaxReturn automatically calculates whether you’ll benefit more from the standard deduction or itemizing your deductions (mortgage interest, charitable donations, medical expenses, etc.). Most first-time filers take the standard deduction, which is simpler and often results in a bigger refund.
8. Complete your state taxes
If your state has an income tax, our software prompts you to file your federal taxes first, then prepare your state return. Most of your federal data transfers automatically, saving significant time.
9. Review error checks
Before submission, the software runs an automatic review. It flags:
- Missing information (empty SSN fields, unsigned forms)
- Math errors
- Common mistakes that could trigger IRS penalties or rejection
Fix any errors before proceeding to submit.
Review, submit, and track your refund
You’re almost done. These final steps ensure accuracy and get your money moving.
Double-check key details:
Before you submit, carefully review:
- Names and Social Security numbers (typos cause rejections)
- Bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit
- Your refund amount or balance owed
- Filing status and dependent information
Treat this like reviewing a bill before you pay—scan each page methodically.
Understand your results:
The software displays a summary showing:
- Your total tax liability
- Credits applied
- Payments already made (withholding from paychecks)
- Whether you’re getting a refund or owe money
Select your payment or refund option:
For refunds, choose direct deposit for the fastest access to your money (typically about 21 days for e-filed returns). You can split refunds between multiple accounts if needed.
If you owe taxes, you can:
- Pay electronically via bank transfer (no fee)
- Pay by credit or debit card (fees apply)
- Request an extension for more time to pay (interest still accrues)
The deadline to pay any balance owed is April 15, 2026.
Sign electronically:
You’ll create a self-selected PIN and verify your identity using your prior year AGI or an IRS-provided PIN. This serves as your digital signature, making your return official.
Submit your e-file:
Click submit. ezTaxReturn transmits your return to the IRS and displays a confirmation screen. Save or print this confirmation immediately.
Watch for IRS acceptance:
The IRS typically accepts or rejects e-filed returns within 24–48 hours during filing season. An error or rejection often means a simple fix—like a mistyped SSN—that you can correct and re-submit without starting over.
Track your refund status:
Use the official Where’s My Refund? tool on IRS.gov. You’ll need:
- Your Social Security number
- Your filing status
- Your exact refund amount
The tool shows when your refund is received, approved, and scheduled for deposit.
Save everything:
Download and save a PDF of:
- Your completed federal and state returns
- E-file acceptance confirmation
- Any supporting documents
You’ll need your prior year return for next year’s filing and for applications like student aid (FAFSA) or mortgage pre-approval.
Where to get help if you’re stuck
You’re not alone if something doesn’t make sense. Multiple resources exist to assist first-time filers at no cost.
Built-in software help:
Most tax software includes:
- Searchable help articles and FAQs
- Step-by-step guidance next to each field
- Explanations for confusing terms like “adjusted gross income” or “taxable income”
- Some platforms offer expert help via phone or email
IRS resources:
- IRS.gov Form 1040 instructions
- Interactive Tax Assistant: an online Q&A tool that answers specific questions
- IRS help line: operates extended hours during filing season (though wait times can be long)
When to seek professional help:
Consider working with tax pros if you:
- Started a business in 2025
- Sold investment property or received significant stock income
- Have cryptocurrency transactions
- Received IRS notices from prior years
- Have an amended return to file
Looking ahead:
Here’s the encouraging part: once you’ve completed this process once, future years become significantly easier. Your prior year return information carries over, ezTaxReturn remembers your details, and the basic steps remain the same.
That nervous energy you might feel right now? It fades quickly once you see how manageable filing really is. Gather your documents, set aside an evening, and work through the steps one at a time. Your tax refund—and the confidence that comes with handling your own taxes—is waiting on the other side.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to file my taxes online for the first time?
Most first‑time filers need their W‑2s, 1099s, Social Security Number, prior‑year AGI (if applicable), and bank information for direct deposit. Having these documents ready makes the filing process smoother and faster.
Is filing taxes online safe for first‑time filers?
Yes. Reputable tax software like ezTaxReturn uses encryption and security measures to protect your information. Filing online is also the fastest way to submit your return and receive your refund.
How long does it take to file taxes online?
Most people can complete their return in under an hour, especially when using guided tax software that walks you through each step.
Do I need last year’s tax return to file online?
Not always. First‑time filers typically won’t have a prior‑year return. If you filed previously, you may need last year’s AGI to verify your identity when e‑filing.
How do I know if I’m filing the right tax forms?
Online tax software asks simple questions about your income and automatically selects the correct forms for you. This helps prevent mistakes and ensures you file accurately.
How do I get my tax refund when I file online?
Choose direct deposit during filing. It’s the fastest way to receive your refund and avoids any mailing delays.
What mistakes should first‑time filers avoid?
Common errors include entering the wrong Social Security Number, forgetting income forms, choosing the wrong filing status, or mistyping bank information. Double‑checking your entries helps prevent delays.
How long will it take to get my refund if I file online?
Most refunds are issued in 21 days or less when you e‑file and choose direct deposit. Filing early in the season can help you get your refund even faster.
Can I file my taxes online if I have a simple return?
Yes. Simple returns are often the easiest to file online, and guided software makes the process quick and beginner‑friendly.
Can ezTaxReturn help me file taxes online for the first time?
Absolutely. ezTaxReturn walks you through each step in plain English, checks your return for accuracy, and helps you file quickly so you can get your refund as fast as possible.
The articles and content published on this blog are provided for informational purposes only. The information presented is not intended to be, and should not be taken as legal, financial, or professional advice. Readers are advised to seek appropriate professional guidance and conduct their own due diligence before making any decisions based on the information provided.
