Tax Preparers

• 1). Find a qualified tax preparation specialist if you do not feel you can prepare your taxes on your own. Make an appointment as soon as you have your W-2s and other tax forms.
  
  
• 2). Bring your tax forms and other financial documents--like bank statements or records of investment gains and losses--to the meeting.
  
  
• 3). Follow their instructions and sign the form, then have them submit it to the IRS through their office.
  
  

E-File

• 1). Determine whether you qualify for the Federal Free File Option. This allows you to file your taxes electronically without having to pay a fee. Those who have an adjusted gross income of less than $57,000 are usually eligible, and you can find a Free File preparer at the IRS Free File website, linked in Resources.
  
  
• 2). Navigate to the website and choose "Help Me Find a Preparer," then follow the instructions to find a provider that suits you. If you don't qualify for Federal Free File, you can still find an online tax preparer. CPA Team, linked in Resources, offers a list.
  
  
• 3). Follow the instructions on the website of the provider you select. They ask you questions about your residence and personal information. You fill in information about your income and deductions.
  
  
• 4). File your taxes by choosing "Accept" or "Submit" once you've input all your information. You will receive a confirmation page. Print this page for your records.
  
  

Mailing Forms

• 1). Download a copy of the IRS Form 1040, 1040A or 1040-EZ from the IRS, or pick up the form at your post office.
  
  
• 2). Fill in your personal information and income information. Put down information about your dependents, tax credits and deductions.
  
  
• 3). Sign and date the form.
  
  
• 4). Mail the tax form you've filled out, along with a copy of your W-2s, to the tax processing facility designated for your state. You can find this on the IRS website, linked below in Resources.