How to File Your Taxes: A Step-by-Step Guide

Filing your taxes in the U.S. can seem overwhelming, but with proper preparation and the right tools, it becomes manageable. This guide walks you through the process step by step.

Step 1: Gather Your Documents

Before you start, collect the necessary documents:

• W-2 Form (if employed) or 1099 Forms (if self-employed or a freelancer)

• Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)

• Previous year’s tax return (for reference)

• Receipts for deductions (medical expenses, charitable donations, business expenses, etc.)

Step 2: Choose Your Filing Method

You can file taxes in three main ways:

1. Use IRS Free File – Available if your income is below a certain threshold.

2. Use Tax Software – Popular options include TurboTax, H&R Block, and TaxAct.

3. Hire a Tax Professional – A CPA or tax preparer can help if your taxes are complex.

Step 3: Fill Out Your Tax Return

• If using software, follow the step-by-step instructions.

• If filing manually, complete Form 1040 (U.S. Individual Income Tax Return).

• Apply for deductions and credits (e.g., Child Tax Credit, Earned Income Tax Credit).

Step 4: Review and Submit Your Taxes

• Double-check your information to avoid errors.

• Decide whether to e-file or mail your return.

• If you owe taxes, choose a payment method (direct debit, check, or IRS payment plan).

Step 5: Track Your Refund (If Applicable)

If you expect a refund, use the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool to track it. Refunds typically arrive within 21 days if filed electronically.

By following these steps, you can file your taxes confidently and avoid penalties.

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Inter&Co (NASDAQ: INTR) is the pioneer financial super app serving over 36 million consumers across the Americas. The Inter&Co ecosystem offers a broad array of services, including banking, investments, mortgages, credit, gift cards, and cross-border tools. The super app also boasts a dynamic marketplace, linking consumers with shopping discounts, cashback rewards, and exclusive access to marquee events across the globe. The company is expanding rapidly in the United States, as evidenced by its naming rights sponsorship of the Inter&Co Stadium that hosts soccer teams “Orlando City” and “Orlando Pride”. Focused on innovation and captivating member experiences, Inter&Co delivers comprehensive financial and lifestyle solutions to meet the evolving needs of modern consumers.

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INTER & CO PAYMENTS, INC., doing business as inter&co (“Inter&Co”), is a financial technology company, a registered money services business (MSB) and a licensed money transmitter, not a bank (NMLS ID #907330). Massachusetts Foreign Transmittal Agency (License #FT114374-100). Rhode Island Currency Transmitter (License # 20203960CT). Click here to access our NMLS licenses.

Banking services are provided by Community Federal Savings Bank (“CFSB”), Member FDIC and deposits are held by CFSB and Wells Fargo Bank, Members FDIC. Inter&Co is not a depository institution, and your deposits are not eligible for FDIC insurance.
For more information regarding your Inter&Co Account, view the Inter&Co Account Agreement at https://us.inter.co/compliance?interandco-account-agreement

To provide you with the Inter&Co Account, we share your information with CFSB. View the CFSB Privacy Notice at https://www.cfsb.com/privacy/ for details.

Mortgage services are provided by Inter US Finance, LLC (NMLS ID #1161874), an affiliate of Inter & Co Payments, Inc.

Securities brokerage services are provided by Inter&Co Securities LLC, Member FINRA/ SIPC , an affiliate of Inter & Co Payments, Inc. and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Inter&Co US Holding. View important information and disclosures here .

The Inter Mastercard® International Debit Card (“Global Card”) is issued by the international branch of Banco Inter S.A. in the Cayman Islands, authorized to operate as a category “B” banking institution by the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority – CIMA (“Cayman Branch”), linked to a US dollar checking account in the Cayman Islands maintained by the Cayman Branch (“Cayman Account”). For more information about the Cayman Account and the Global Card offered by the Cayman Branch, see the Cayman Account and Global Card Agreement, available at Cayman Account and Global Card Agreement. .

The Cayman Account and Global Card are offered by the international branch of Banco Inter S.A. in the Cayman Islands, an affiliate of Inter&Co, and are not features of the Global Account nor are they offered by Inter&Co Payments. The Cayman Account and Global Card are not available for U.S. customers.

To offer you the Cayman Account and the Global Card, we share information with the Cayman Branch. Personal data will be subject to the Data Protection Act of the Cayman Islands, as well as the General Data Protection Law. To learn more about how we protect your personal data, see our Privacy Policy, available at https://inter.co/politica-de-privacidade/ .

If you have any questions or concerns regarding any transaction, please write to us at 501 Brickell Key Drive, Suite 202, Miami, FL 33131, or by email at help@inter.co or by calling us at 1-888-305-7264.

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