# Filing your first tax return > Your W-2 should arrive by the end of January, and the usual deadline is April 15. Gather W-2s, any 1099s, and school or student loan forms. If your parents can claim you as a dependent, say so and talk with them. Many people can file free through IRS Free File or VITA volunteers; start from IRS.gov. Even with low income, filing may return withheld tax. Don’t forget your state return, and keep copies. - URL: https://explained.page/first-tax-return - Language: en - Last checked: 2026-10-29 - Watch the 1-minute animated guide: https://explained.page/watch?start=first-tax-return ## Step by step 1. **Filing your first tax return?** It’s easier than it sounds, and you may get money back. Here’s how it works. 2. **Know the dates.** Employers send your W-2 by the end of January. The usual filing deadline is April 15. 3. **Gather your forms.** A W-2 from each job, 1099s for freelance or side work, and school or student loan forms if you have them. 4. **Can your parents claim you? Ask first.** If they can claim you as a dependent, you must say so on your return. Talk to them so you don’t both claim the same benefits. 5. **File for free if you can.** Many people qualify for IRS Free File or free help from VITA volunteers. Start from IRS.gov so you don’t end up paying by mistake. 6. **Even if you didn’t earn much, file.** If tax was taken from your pay, filing may get it back. Choose direct deposit for the fastest refund, and skip costly refund loans. 7. **Don’t forget your state, and keep copies.** Many states need their own return. Keep copies of your returns and forms for at least three years. 8. **Look it up the right way.** Search with your town or state in the words. Pick the official site: it usually ends in .gov. Skip ads and sites that charge for free forms. ## Checklist - Watch for your W-2 by the end of January - File by the deadline, usually April 15 - Gather W-2s, 1099s and school forms - Ask if your parents claim you - Use free filing if you qualify - File your state return and keep copies ## Key dates Employers send W-2s by the end of January. The usual federal deadline is April 15. If you need more time to file, you can request an extension, but any tax owed is still due by the deadline. ## Forms to gather - **W-2** from each job. - **1099** forms for freelance, gig or side work, or bank interest. - **1098-T** for college tuition and **1098-E** for student loan interest, if you have them. ## Your parents If your parents can claim you as a dependent, you must check that box on your return. Talk with them so you don’t both claim the same credits. ## Free ways to file - **IRS Free File:** guided software for people under an income limit. - **VITA:** free help from IRS-certified volunteers for people who qualify. Start from IRS.gov to avoid paying for “free” offers by mistake. ## Refunds If tax was withheld from your pay, filing may get some or all of it back. Choose direct deposit for speed. Skip costly refund advance loans. ## State taxes and records Many states require their own return. Keep copies of your returns and forms for at least three years. ## Common questions ### Do I have to file if I didn’t earn much? It depends on your income and situation, but filing is often worth it to get back withheld tax or claim credits. Source page: https://explained.page/first-tax-return/questions/do-i-have-to-file-if-i-didnt-earn-much ### What if I had a side gig? Income from gig or freelance work generally must be reported, and self-employment tax may apply. Keep records of income and expenses. Source page: https://explained.page/first-tax-return/questions/what-if-i-had-a-side-gig ### Do I need to file taxes for my first job? It depends on how much you earned and your situation. Even if you don’t have to, filing can get back tax withheld from your paychecks. Source page: https://explained.page/first-tax-return/questions/do-i-need-to-file-taxes-for-my-first-job ### What is a W-2? A form from your employer showing what you earned and how much tax was withheld last year. It should arrive by the end of January. Source page: https://explained.page/first-tax-return/questions/what-is-a-w-2 ### Can I file my taxes for free? Many people can, through IRS Free File software or free help from VITA volunteers. Start from IRS.gov to find the real free options. Source page: https://explained.page/first-tax-return/questions/can-i-file-my-taxes-for-free ### My parents claim me. Can I still file? Yes. You file your own return and check the box saying someone can claim you as a dependent. Source page: https://explained.page/first-tax-return/questions/my-parents-claim-me-can-i-still-file ### What if I made a mistake on my tax return? You can fix it by filing an amended return (Form 1040-X). The IRS may also correct simple math errors. Source page: https://explained.page/first-tax-return/questions/what-if-i-made-a-mistake-on-my-tax-return ### How long does a tax refund take? Many e-filed returns with direct deposit are processed within about three weeks, though some take longer. Source page: https://explained.page/first-tax-return/questions/how-long-does-a-tax-refund-take ## Official sources - [IRS: Free File](https://www.irs.gov/) - [IRS: free tax return preparation (VITA)](https://www.irs.gov/) - [IRS: Interactive Tax Assistant](https://www.irs.gov/) To find your local office, search for: - "VITA free tax help near me" - "[your state] free state tax filing" --- General information, not legal or professional advice. Rules differ by state. From explained.page (www.explained.page). Life’s stuff, explained simply.