How To File Individual Income Tax Return

There are a few different ways one can learn how to file an individual income tax return.  Individual income tax returns can be filed online either using one of the free file companies approved by the IRS, or using another online service such as efile.com. Individuals who don't have a computer can also file their taxes the "old fashioned way," by filling out the forms and mailing them in.  People who don't feel comfortable preparing their taxes themselves can take their income tax information to an accountant or an income tax preparer.  This article will cover all four different methods. 

• Using free file companies - Individuals who had an adjusted gross income of $57,000 or less for the year that they're filing taxes for can use one of the free file companies approved by the IRS.  To find out more about more about the different free file companies, check out the IRS homepage and click on the free file logo.
• Using other online services - Individuals who had a higher adjusted gross income can still e-file using other online services.  For more information, check out.
• Fill out and mail in income tax forms -  This method is still available for people who don't have a computer, or access to a computer.  For more information on the correct forms that will need to be filled out, you can contact the IRS at 800-829-1040.  Be warned though, the wait time to speak to a representative can be a long one during tax season!
• Take your income tax information to an accountant or income tax preparer -  Individuals who don't have a computer and don't feel comfortable preparing their taxes themselves the old-fashioned way can take their tax information to someone else to have them filed.  If you have a friend or family member who is skilled at preparing income tax returns, that would be the best, most cost-effective way to go.  If not,  there are many accounting firms and income tax preparers in just about every city.  Consult your yellow pages for more information. 

No one likes having to file their taxes.  But with all the different methods available for filing individual income tax returns, you are sure to find one that fits your time constraints and budget.  Doing so will ensure that you pay as little as possible to the IRS, or get the largest refund possible from the IRS.  Happy filing!

Resource:

Individual e-file Electronic Tax Filing Program Overview