Gathering Information

• Collect all of your earnings statements for the year in which you're filing taxes, including dividend statements, W-2s, and 1099s. If you're filing a prior year return, then you can use IRS Form 4506-T to request that your income information be mailed to you by the IRS. However, current year earnings information is usually not available until the year after it is filed. For example, information for tax year 2009, filed in 2010, won't be available until 2011. So you are required to contact your employer directly to request a missing earnings statement for the current tax year. If you have not received your wage information by February 14, call the IRS at (800) 829-1040. The IRS will send a letter to your employer reminding it of its legal obligation to furnish you with an earnings statement. The IRS will also send you Form 4852, which you use to estimate your earnings and file your return. On Form 4852, estimate your earnings to the best of your ability using your paycheck stubs. If you later receive your W-2 or 1099 and the information you entered doesn't match the information on your W-2, amend your return using form 1040X.
  
  

Choosing a Filing Method

• You have a choice between electronically filing your tax returns or filing by mail. E-filing is by far the most advantageous filing method because it is quicker and more efficient than paper filing. With e-file, you receive your refund in 10 days -- as opposed to six to eight weeks for paper-filed returns. Also, e-filed returns are math verified before they are submitted to the IRS. This means that mistakes are caught early, and you're allowed to correct them before submitting your return, thus preventing the delays caused by errors. Once you decide on a filing method, it's time to complete your actual tax return.
  
  

Filing Tax Forms

• Decide first which tax form --1040EZ, 1040A, or 1040 -- is the best match for your tax situation. In most case, it is best to choose the simplest form for your filing needs. If you earn less than $100,000 and have a relatively simple filing situation -- meaning you are not claiming dependents, not itemizing or you do have interest income in excess of $1,500 -- then you should opt for the 1040EZ. If your fling situation is too complex for the 1040EZ, then use Form 1040A. Form 1040A is the optimum choice for filers who have capital gain interest income, earn more than $100,000 or have adjustments to student loan interest. If you cannot use Form 1040A, then Form 1040 is your last available choice. Once you complete the form, mail it or submit it electronically.
  
  

Troubleshooting

• If you e-file, you will receive an acknowledgement once the return is either received or rejected by the IRS. If the return is rejected, you will receive an error reject code advising you why it was rejected and what steps you should take to correct the issue.