Can I Do My Own Taxes?

You can join millions of Americans in doing your own taxes, often for free, if you’re willing to trade the cost of a CPA’s services for the time and effort required to self-file. It all depends on the complexity of your taxes and your ability to get it right on your own.

Key takeaways

• Many people can file their own taxes using IRS Free File or tax software

• DIY filing works best for simple returns (W-2 income, standard deduction)

• Complex income, business ownership or major life changes may require a tax professional

• Expect to spend five to 10 hours if filing yourself

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Can I File My Own Taxes?

If your financial situation is relatively straightforward, you can usually file your own taxes — and doing so can be a practical way to save money.

You can likely DIY if you:

• Have W-2 income only

• Take the standard deduction

• Have limited investments

• Don’t own a business

You may want help from a professional if you:

• Are self-employed or do freelance work

• Own rental property

• Have multiple income streams

• Experienced major life changes, such as a marriage, divorce, or home sale

When to Start Filing Taxes

The IRS typically opens filing and begins accepting returns in late January. In 2026, for tax year 2025, the filing season began on January 26. With some rare exceptions, Tax Day is April 15, the deadline to submit your returns or request an extension. 

Tax Season Timeline

• Late January: IRS begins accepting returns

• April 15: Filing deadline (unless extended)

• October 15: Extended filing deadline

What Do I Need to File My Taxes?

To get started, first gather the necessary personal information, IRS documents and income forms. 

Personal Information

• Social Security number 

• Photo ID

• Bank account details (for refund)

Income Documents

• W-2

• 1099-NEC / 1099-MISC

• 1099-INT / 1099-DIV

• 1099-B (investments)

• 1099-G (unemployment)

Deduction and Credit Forms

• 1098 (mortgage interest)

• 1098-T (tuition)

• Child care expenses

• Medical expenses

• Charitable donations

How to File Your Own Taxes

Follow these six steps to self-file accurately and on time. 

Step 1: Choose How to File

First, decide whether you’re better served by paying for software or using a free service. 

• IRS Free File allows taxpayers with adjusted gross income (AGI) of $89,000 or less to complete and submit even fairly complex returns at no cost through partnerships with third-party platforms. Note that the IRS ended its Direct File program for higher earners. Alternatively, many software providers offer free tiers for the simplest returns, but state taxes can cost extra with either option.

• Most software providers, such as TurboTax, have tiered price structures that include more features and accommodate greater complexity with increased cost. 

If you’re deciding between free and paid tax filing software, the right choice usually comes down to how complex your return is and how much support you want. Here’s a clearer breakdown of what you get with each option:

Step 2: Gather Your Documents 

Once you’ve chosen how you’ll file, collect all necessary documents, including income, personal and IRS forms. Refer to the checklist above to ensure you don’t miss any documents. 

Step 3: Choose Your Filing Status 

Picking the right filing status is essential because your status determines your tax bracket, the rate you pay and your eligibility for credits and deductions. 

• Single: Unmarried people who don’t qualify for another status

• Married filing jointly: The majority of married couples 

• Married filed separately: Some married couples with lopsided incomes, high individual medical expenses, or tax debt can benefit from filing separate returns. 

• Head of household: The IRS has special rules for those who pay most of the bills and support dependents living in the same home. 

• Qualified surviving spouse: Those who have lost a spouse, have not remarried within the year and support dependent children can file jointly with the deceased spouse for up to two years. 

Quick note: Filing status affects your tax bracket and the standard deduction amount.

Step 4: Claim Deductions and Credits

Maximizing all available credits and deductions is the key to lowering your tax bill or increasing your refund.

Common deductions:

• Standard deduction

• Student loan interest

• Mortgage interest

Common credits:

• Child Tax Credit

• Earned Income Tax Credit

• Education credits

Tax credits reduce your tax bill dollar for dollar — and some are refundable, meaning you could get money back once your bill reaches $0. Tax deductions, on the other hand, lower your taxable income, which reduces the amount of tax you owe based on your tax bracket.

Step 5: Understand Your Tax Bracket 

America’s marginal tax system taxes income progressively, with higher earners paying more, but only on the portion of their incomes defined by the IRS tax brackets, which can change annually. 

There are seven tax brackets with rates progressing from 10% to 37%. Understanding how they apply to you is essential for planning and predicting your tax bill. 

Consider the following example of a hypothetical individual with $215,000 in gross income who pays: 

• 10% on the first $12,400 ($1,240)

• 12% on the next $37,999 ($4,559.88)

• 22% on the next $55,299 ($12,165.78)

• 24% on the next $96,074 ($23,057.76)

• 32% of the final $13,224 ($4,231.68)

The total tax bill is $45,255.10

Step 6: Submit Your Return 

Upon completing your return, it's time to file, which the IRS strongly urges all taxpayers to do electronically. Those who still submit paper returns through the mail face weeks of delayed processing and confirmation, slower refunds and the risk of compromised security. 

The IRS acknowledges receipt of most returns within 48 hours and issues most refunds within 21 days. Create or log in to your IRS.gov account for status updates and use the Where’s My Refund tool to track your refund. Be sure to save digital copies of each year’s tax return. 

How Long Does It Take to File Your Own Taxes?

The IRS estimates the average taxpayer spends between seven and 10 hours doing their own taxes. However, the self-employed, itemizers and those with unusual or complex situations should budget more time. The quickest returns are those reporting simple W-2 income.  

What Happens After You File?

The situation after you file depends on whether you owe the IRS money or the IRS owes you. 

If You Owe Taxes

If you owe a bill, you have several payment options. 

• Direct Pay through IRS.gov offers free payment through bank accounts and is the best way to settle your obligation

• Debit card, credit card and digital wallet transactions are processed by third-party providers for a fee

• The IRS offers short- and long-term payment plans, which incur interest on unpaid balances and the potential for failure-to-pay fees

If You’re Getting a Refund

Here’s how to get your refund if you overpaid and the IRS owes you. 

• Direct deposit is the fastest and most secure method.

• Paper checks arrive slower and can get lost or mis-delivered.

• Track your refund using the IRS.gov “Where’s My Refund?” tool. 

Is It Cheaper to Do Your Own Taxes?

Average CPA fees are $185 to $233 for a basic 1040 plus the following average fees for the three most common schedules, according to Accounting Today.

• Schedule A: $53 to $61

• Schedule C: $123 to $135

• Schedule D: $56 to $66

DIYers pay between $0 for basic, free federal filing software and $35 to $150-plus for premium packages — but the bargain comes with a tradeoff in time. Even simple returns take five to seven hours to do yourself, while the services of a CPA requires only a brief consultation and the time it takes to gather your documents and receipts.  

• When DIY saves money: Simple returns that you can manage alone relatively quickly for free or at a modest cost.

• When hiring a pro saves money: Complex returns that DIYers could make mistakes filling out and calculating, potentially costing more than a CPA’s rate.

When Should You Hire a Tax Professional?

Consider hiring a CPA, tax attorney or other qualified tax professional if your situation involves added complexity or higher financial stakes, such as:

• Receiving an audit notice from the IRS

• Owning a business or reporting self-employment income

• Realizing large capital gains from investments or property sales

• Managing rental property income and expenses

• Earning income in multiple states or internationally

In these situations, professional guidance can help you stay compliant, reduce risk and potentially uncover tax-saving opportunities you might otherwise miss.

Common Mistakes People Make When Filing Their Own Taxes

The following errors are as common as they are costly.

• Wrong filing status

• Missing income forms

• Math errors

• Not reporting side income

• Missing credits

One mistake to avoid is automatically taking the standard deduction without checking whether itemizing could save you more. It only takes a few extra minutes to compare the two — and that quick calculation could lower your tax bill.

FAQ

Is it hard to file your own taxes?

If your return is straightforward and you have your documents organized, filing online is usually manageable. Most tax software walks you through the process step by step.

Is it cheaper to do your own taxes?

In many cases, yes. Filing yourself can save on preparation fees. That said, if you have a complex return — like business income or major investments — a tax professional may uncover savings that outweigh their fee.

How can I file my taxes myself?

You can use reputable tax software or file directly with the IRS through its Free File program if you qualify.

Do I need to file if I made under the income threshold?

You may not be required to file, but it can still be worth it. Filing could allow you to claim refundable credits, receive withheld taxes back or establish income documentation.

What if I make a mistake?

If you catch an error after filing, you can correct it by submitting an amended return using Form 1040-X.

Can I file taxes for previous years?

Yes. You can file prior-year returns, and you generally have up to three years to claim a refund you’re owed.