Five tips for the 2023 tax season

As the federal tax deadline approaches soon, you may still have questions about filing your federal, state and business taxes in 2023. Use USAGov’s tax season guide to understand steps you need to take to successfully file by the April 18, 2023 deadline.

Five tips to kick off the 2023 tax season
 * 1) Gather all required forms.
 * 2) File online with ease.
 * 3) Report benefits you’ve received.
 * 4) Know the Taxpayer Bill of Rights.
 * 5) Understand where to go for tax help.

Tip 1: Gather all required forms.

Collecting your tax documents is an important first step to filing your tax returns. These records include W-2s, 1099s, receipts, canceled checks and other income documents. Understand what forms you may need and access them online from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), order over the phone or receive them in your community at locations like post offices and libraries.

Tip 2: File online with ease.

The IRS gives you the helpful tools to file your taxes online. You can also receive your refund faster by signing up for direct deposit. Access the IRS Free File tool to see if you can start your tax return electronically. If you meet certain income requirements, you may qualify for free tax return preparations.

Tip 3: Report benefits you’ve received.

Millions of people received unemployment benefits over the last few years. These benefits are taxable and must be included in your federal tax return.

Tip 4: Know the Taxpayer Bill of Rights.

As a taxpayer, you have rights when dealing with the IRS. Keep the Taxpayer Bill of Rights in mind when you begin to file. You are entitled to things like your privacy, confidentiality and never paying more than the correct amount of tax.

Tip 5: Understand where to go if you need more help with your taxes.

Find answers to your questions about state-specific taxes, when you can receive your refund, navigating recent tax law changes, and more with these helpful resources:
 * Engage with the Taxpayer Advocate Service to understand and navigate the tax system.
 * Subscribe to tax tips directly from the experts at the IRS. You can also explore IRS.gov for resources in multiple languages, topics in the news, and how-to guides.
 * Use the Interactive Tax Assistant to find answers specific to your circumstances.
 * Visit USA.gov to find answers to your top questions throughout the 2023 tax season. USAGov leads people to official information on everything from IRS scam prevention to small business taxes and incentives to filing for the first time.

LAST UPDATED: April 10, 2023