The tax season has arrived, and for Alyssa Melani, this marks her second year filing taxes. As a part-time worker, freelance actress, and small business proprietor, she finds her returns quite complex, and she never had the opportunity to learn how to handle them during her schooling.

“It’s really daunting, and every tax season I feel like I’m completely lost,” shared Melani, who is 23 years old.

This year, she sought guidance from her father and a personal accountant to ensure she meets her obligations with the IRS, herself, and her three employees.

Many are in the same boat as she is, facing uncertainty about taxes. If you believe you need to file a return this year, possibly for the very first time, you may be asking yourself how to get started.

Here are six important questions to consider, starting with the most crucial: Do you actually need to file?

Is it necessary for me to file with the IRS?

Typically, the IRS mandates that most citizens and residents who earn income in the U.S. file a tax return if their gross income is at least $14,600. Different income thresholds apply depending on your filing status. For instance, heads of households must file if they make $21,900 or more, while married individuals under 65 must file if their income is $29,200 or above. The threshold is only $5 for those married individuals filing separately.

If someone is claiming you as a dependent, you still have to file if you have generated at least $1,300 in “unearned” income, like interest from investments.

Several other factors, such as having a disability, may influence your need to file. The IRS provides a brief online questionnaire that can help you determine whether you need to file a return.

Even in cases where the IRS doesn’t require you to file, you may still want to. If any portion of your paycheck was withheld for taxes, you might be eligible for a refund.

According to CPA and TurboTax expert Lisa Greene-Lewis, the IRS holds over $1 billion in unclaimed refunds. A survey by Talker Research for TurboTax found that 20% of Gen Z thinks they don’t need to file tax returns.

“They think they fall below the IRS income standards, but they’re missing out on potential money,” Greene-Lewis stated to YSL News.

What tax documents do I need?

Now that you’ve decided to file a return, it’s time to collect your essential documents. You’ll need your Social Security number, and be careful to enter it correctly, as Greene-Lewis notes that mistakenly entering your Social Security number is a common mistake. You may also require the following typical documents:

• W-2: If you have a regular job, your W-2 will indicate how much you earned in the past year and the taxes withheld. Your employer is required to provide this form by the end of January.
• 1099: If you do freelance or gig work, you might receive several 1099s throughout the year. These forms report your earned income, along with interest and dividends. There are various types of 1099 forms.
• Receipts: Keeping track of your expenses and potential deductions, such as significant medical bills or charitable contributions, will aid you in filing.

What is my filing deadline?

While some individuals may receive extensions or have different due dates, the standard deadline for federal tax filing is April 15. However, state filing deadlines can differ.

The IRS has also announced that individuals located in federally declared disaster areas, including regions impacted by wildfires in Southern California, might also qualify for an extension.

Greene-Lewis recommended that taxpayers file as soon as they can: “They might find they’re eligible for a refund, and they’ll have that money sooner.”

Am I considered a dependent?

If you live with a parent or guardian and are receiving their support with education or living costs, it is likely they will list you as a dependent on their tax return.

The IRS defines dependents as qualifying children under 19 years old, or under 24 if they are full-time students. To be considered a dependent, you must not provide more than half of your own financial support each year.

Those who claim you as a dependent enjoy certain tax benefits, and you should indicate your dependent status on your return.

Am I eligible for any tax deductions or credits?

Tax deductions can reduce your taxable income, while tax credits can lower the amount of tax you owe. By researching these options, you may save a substantial amount of money.

Here are some common deductions and credits that new filers might qualify for:

• Earned Income Tax Credit: If your income was low last year, you might be able to claim this credit. You can find the income limits on the IRS website.
• Student Loan Interest Deduction: If you made payments on student loans in 2024, you might deduct the interest payments or $2,500 from your taxable income, depending on which amount is lesser.
• American Opportunity Tax Credit: If you aren’t claimed as a dependent by anyone else, you could qualify for up to $2,500 for expenses incurred during your first four years of college.

Do I require assistance?

Feeling uncertain? You’re not alone. Approximately half of all taxpayers seek help from a tax professional, but a 2021 IRS survey revealed that Gen Z is the least likely to do so.

If you decide to handle it yourself, IRS Direct File might assist you. This program simplifies the process and lets taxpayers in 25 participating states file directly online. These states include Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Some individuals, like Melani, seek advice from family or social media, but Greene-Lewis warns against putting too much faith in online influencers. A Paxful study discovered that 14% of personal finance videos on TikTok provide misleading information. Both Melani and Greene-Lewis suggest that new taxpayers ask trusted individuals for guidance throughout the process.

“Don’t hesitate to ask questions, even if they seem trivial, as we are usually starting from scratch,” Melani noted. “Seek advice from older individuals or friends’ parents who are knowledgeable. If you lack personal resources, leverage your community.”

Contact Rachel Barber at rbarber@usatoday.com and follow her on X @rachelbarber_