Your Return Your Deductions.Your Filing.

Tax preparation is the process of gathering your annual income records, expense documentation, and personal details to accurately calculate your taxable income and file federal and state tax returns with the IRS and state departments of revenue.

Common required documents include Form W-2 (from employers), Form 1099-NEC/MISC (for contract or freelance work), Form 1099-INT/DIV (for bank interest and investments), Form 1098 (for mortgage interest), Form 1098-E (for student loan interest), and records of eligible charitable contributions or medical expenses.

Federal tax filing is submitted directly to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and applies to all U.S. citizens and residents earning taxable income. State tax returns are submitted to your state's department of revenue and vary based on state laws (with some states, such as Texas and Florida, having no individual earned income tax).

The standard federal tax filing deadline for individual returns is typically April 15. If April 15 falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline moves to the next business day. Filers can also request an automatic 6-month extension to file (until October 15), though any taxes owed must still be paid by the April deadline.

A tax deduction lowers your adjusted gross income before your tax is calculated, reducing your taxable income based on your tax bracket. A tax credit directly reduces your calculated tax liability dollar-for-dollar, providing a direct reduction in the total tax you owe.

E-filing transmits your completed return securely and directly to the IRS and your state revenue department using 256-bit encryption. E-filed returns receive an official electronic timestamp confirmation within 24 to 48 hours and typically process refunds significantly faster than paper-mailed returns.