https://www.khanacademy.org/math/financial-mathematics-tx-teks/x647545bbd61df4a7:taxes-and-tax-forms/x647545bbd61df4a7:filing-a-tax-return/v/organizing-tax-documents 2025-02-14T19:28:54.905843221Z Organizing tax documents Filing a tax return? Make sure you have all the necessary documents, including personal information, income records (W-2s, 1099s), proof of deductions and credits, and records of taxes already paid. Many tax forms are now digital, so be sure to download them if needed. Stay organized by keeping everything in one place to make the process smoother and stress-free. Sal Khan video https://cdn.kastatic.org/ka_thumbnails_cache/3ff09b74-a676-4736-918a-8800245a9f21_1280_720_base.png Organizing tax documents Filing a tax return? Make sure you have all the necessary documents, including personal information, income records (W-2s, 1099s), proof of deductions and credits, and records of taxes already paid. Many tax forms are now digital, so be sure to download them if needed. Stay organized by keeping everything in one place to make the process smoother and stress-free. https://cdn.kastatic.org/ka-youtube-converted/0YhYn5suEPs.mp4/0YhYn5suEPs.mp4 307 Filing a tax return https://www.khanacademy.org/math/financial-mathematics-tx-teks/x647545bbd61df4a7:taxes-and-tax-forms/x647545bbd61df4a7:filing-a-tax-return/a/getting-ready-to-file 2026-04-04T02:06:38.980527203Z Getting ready to file Filing taxes can seem tricky, but don’t worry—it’s easier when you know what to gather ahead of time. Think of this like packing for a trip: if you’ve got the right stuff, you’re ready to go. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what documents you’ll need to make tax filing as simple and stress-free as possible. article https://www.khanacademy.org/math/financial-mathematics-tx-teks/x647545bbd61df4a7:taxes-and-tax-forms/x647545bbd61df4a7:filing-a-tax-return/e/filing-a-tax-return 2025-03-04T16:07:27.977292004Z Filing a tax return Practice understanding of what is needed to file a tax return, from personal information to official and non-official tax documents. Elvira Valdez exercise https://www.khanacademy.org/math/financial-mathematics-tx-teks/x647545bbd61df4a7:taxes-and-tax-forms/x647545bbd61df4a7:filing-a-tax-return/v/how-do-you-file-a-tax-return 2026-05-28T19:41:06.886160835Z How do you file a tax return? There are three primary ways to file taxes: doing it yourself using software, using a tax preparation service for more guidance, or hiring a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) for advanced and flexible support. Filing yourself is typically the cheapest option and is effective for simple taxes, while tax preparation services and CPAs offer more assistance for complex financial situations at a higher cost. Sal Khan video https://cdn.kastatic.org/ka_thumbnails_cache/8e2b7ac5-6b6a-414d-a2bf-07778b220b09_1280_720_base.png How do you file a tax return? There are three primary ways to file taxes: doing it yourself using software, using a tax preparation service for more guidance, or hiring a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) for advanced and flexible support. Filing yourself is typically the cheapest option and is effective for simple taxes, while tax preparation services and CPAs offer more assistance for complex financial situations at a higher cost. https://cdn.kastatic.org/ka-youtube-converted/bFcZU5C4vhY.mp4/bFcZU5C4vhY.mp4 205 Filing a tax return https://www.khanacademy.org/math/financial-mathematics-tx-teks/x647545bbd61df4a7:taxes-and-tax-forms/x647545bbd61df4a7:filing-a-tax-return/a/filling-out-a-tax-return 2026-05-26T13:30:43.855719901Z Filling out a tax return You've gathered all your tax documents, and you're ready to file your taxes. Now, you need to decide how you want to file. The option you choose affects how much help you get and how much it may cost. Let's take a closer look. article https://www.khanacademy.org/math/financial-mathematics-tx-teks/x647545bbd61df4a7:taxes-and-tax-forms/x647545bbd61df4a7:filing-a-tax-return/e/options-for-filling-a-tax-return 2026-07-06T04:50:55.94861601Z Options for filling a tax return Use real-world tax situations to compare filing yourself, using a tax preparation service, and hiring a CPA. You’ll weigh cost, personalized support, and which option best fits each situation. Elvira Valdez exercise https://www.khanacademy.org/math/financial-mathematics-tx-teks/x647545bbd61df4a7:taxes-and-tax-forms/x647545bbd61df4a7:filing-a-tax-return/v/what-determines-if-you-are-getting-a-tax-refund-or-bill 2026-05-19T15:01:06.510424772Z What determines if you are getting a tax refund or bill? Your employer takes federal income tax out of your paycheck, and that amount appears on your W-2. If they took out more than you actually owe, you get a refund; if they took out less, you have to pay the difference. Sal Khan video https://cdn.kastatic.org/ka_thumbnails_cache/d36c8ba9-303c-471d-b86f-ec8bbc4e6983_1280_720_base.png What determines if you are getting a tax refund or bill? Your employer takes federal income tax out of your paycheck, and that amount appears on your W-2. If they took out more than you actually owe, you get a refund; if they took out less, you have to pay the difference. https://cdn.kastatic.org/ka-youtube-converted/oOwZygUZIN8.mp4/oOwZygUZIN8.mp4 229 Filing a tax return https://www.khanacademy.org/math/financial-mathematics-tx-teks/x647545bbd61df4a7:taxes-and-tax-forms/x647545bbd61df4a7:filing-a-tax-return/e/calculate-federal-income-tax-owed 2026-06-29T19:40:46.038950604Z Calculate federal income tax owed Practice calculating the amount of income tax owed or refunded. Elvira Valdez exercise