In this third part of the very basic tax series, I wanted to cover where what goes in a bit more detail.
In the first article, we spoke about why we file taxes and the basics of refunds.
In the second article, we went into detail about the forms we are required to file and the material we need in order to fill them up.
Now let's elaborate on the final process of sending out the forms not that we have them.
Federal Taxes
Deadline: For all taxpayers, the deadline for filing federal income taxes is April 18, 2023 instead of April 15 this year.
Confirm the bank information is correct on the return if you are having your refund deposited to a bank account. As of 2023, when you mail your return, you can provide a bank account for direct deposit.
Sign page 2 of the Form 1040 and date it as well. Make sure the Occupation field is filled in and complete the IP PIN boxes if you were assigned one by the IRS (you do not need this, but if you know it, you can enter it). Your federal tax return is not considered a valid return unless it is signed. You may also consider providing a phone number in the line item.
Attach any schedules and forms behind your Form 1040 in the order of the "Attachment Sequence No." shown in the upper right-hand corner of the schedule or form - see image below. For supporting statements, letters, etc., arrange them in the same order as the schedules or forms they support and attach them last. Attach copies of income forms W-2, 1099, and other income documents to the front of your Form 1040.
The IRS address you use depends on where you live and whether you are enclosing a check or expecting a refund. You can find the right IRS mailing address to use here. You should send your return through the U.S. Postal Service with a method for delivery tracking so you will know when the IRS receives your tax return.
Note that it could take up to 6-8 weeks for the IRS to process your mailed tax return.
State Taxes
Not everyone has to file state taxes. Typically, the need to file is triggered if you live in a state and you meet certain criteria that they set.
If you do need to file State taxes, find their required forms on the website. To file your state return(s) by mail, you will follow a similar process to the federal return.
Confirm the bank information is correct on the return if you are having your refund deposited to a bank account. Make sure to sign and date the main form, then attach all of the supporting documents and income forms, similar to the federal tax return instructions above.
The proper mailing address to send your return is typically on the main state tax form page of your PDF.
You should send your state return through the U.S. Postal Service with a method for delivery tracking. This way, you will know when the state receives your return.
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