Filing your taxes? Here is what you need.
What you gather depends on how you earned. Find your situation below.
The guides you need
Understand every box on your W-2, from wages to Box 12 codes.
If you had a job, this is the form your employer sends in January.
Tool: W-2 box decoder
Taxes for freelancers, contractors, and gig workers, without the jargon.
If you freelanced, drove, or sold, this is what your clients send.
Tool: Self-employment tax calculator
Quarterly estimated taxes made simple, with the safe-harbor rule that avoids penalties.
If you paid quarterly, you need the record of what you already paid.
Tool: Safe-harbor calculator
Apply for federal student aid with confidence, and never miss your state deadline.
If you are a student or the parent of one, your return feeds the aid form.
Tool: State deadline lookup
Start here
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Easy Guides is an independent publisher of educational content. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, or any other government agency. What you read here is general educational content, not legal, tax, or financial advice. For advice specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. Official government resources are available at no cost at IRS.gov, StudentAid.gov, and USCIS.gov.