How To DIY Your Taxes — Without Losing Your Mind

You can easily DIY your taxes if you have straightforward income and deductions. Modern tax software makes it simpler than ever by asking quick questions and tackling all of the calculations for you. As a result, many people can complete their own returns in a few hours — and potentially save hundreds of dollars in professional fees.

Quick Take: Can You Really Do Your Own Taxes?

Everyone can do their own taxes, but not everyone should. Here’s what to keep in mind if you’re considering the DIY option:

• DIY works best for straightforward situations: If you have W-2 income, will take the standard deduction and are only using common credits like the earned income tax credit, this is achievable with tax software. 

• “DIY” means using software, not doing it manually: You don’t have to download and print out the IRS’s tax forms unless you want to. Today, tax software handles calculations, catches errors and can guide you through the process. 

• Free options exist for many filers: The IRS Free File program and some tax software companies offer free filing for those under certain income limits, or for those with simple returns. 

• Complexity is the main limiting factor: If you have a complicated return like living and working in different states, having business expenses and going through major life events, you're more likely to need professional help.

• Your time investment can vary wildly: Simple returns might take as little as one to two hours, while more complex situations could take four to six hours. 

• You’re still responsible for accuracy: Software helps, but you’re legally responsible for what you file. As a result, you need to ensure you’re inputting the correct information and fully understand what you’re claiming.

What You Need Before You Start

Before you start preparing your taxes, gather these documents and information:

• All income documentation: This includes W-2s from employers, 1099s-NEC for contract work, 1099-INT for interest, 1099-DIV for dividends, 1099-B for stocks and any other income statements.

• Social Security numbers: Yours, your spouse’s and and all dependents

• Previous year’s tax return: This is useful for reference points and may be required by some software to verify your identity.

• Receipts and documentation for deductions: Including charitable donations, medical expenses, mortgage interest, student loan interest and any business expenses if you’re self-employed.

• Health insurance information: This will involve Form 1095-A if you had marketplace coverage. 

• Childcare provider details: Including the name, address and tax ID for any childcare providers if you’re claiming the child and dependent care credit. 

• Bank account information: Including your account number and routing number if you want to receive your refund through direct deposit — which is the fastest option.

• Last year’s adjusted gross income (AGI): This may be needed to verify your identity when e-filing.

How To DIY Your Taxes: Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re filing your own taxes, here’s the process you’ll want to follow. 

Step 1: Choose How You’ll File

You have several options for DIY tax filing:

• IRS Free File: Available if your income is $89,000 or less, and involves partnered software companies that provide free guided tax preparation. It includes federal filing, but state filing may cost extra.

• Paid tax software: Tools like TurboTax, H&R Block and TaxAct offer tiered pricing based on the complexity of your returns. Costs typically range from $60 to $120 for federal filing, plus more per state. These platforms use interview-style questions to walk you through each section, and have built-in error checking.

• Online IRS forms: Completely free for all income levels, and involve filling out IRS forms online. There’s limited guidance, with basic math calculations provided, so this is likely only a good option for tax-savvy filers who are comfortable navigating the forms directly.

Step 2: Pick the Right Filing Status

Your filing status affects your tax rates and standard deduction amount. Choose the status that applies to you:

• Single

• Married filing jointly

• Married filing separately

• Head of household

• Qualifying surviving spouse 

Step 3: Enter Your Income

Input all income from your documentation, including:

• W-2 income from your employers

• All 1099 income from self-employment work, along with a Schedule C to report business income and expenses

• 1099-INT for interest, 1099-DIV for dividends and 1099-B for stock sales

Step 4: Take Credits and Deductions You Qualify For

Your software will ask questions to identify credits and deductions. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• You can choose either a standard deduction or an itemized deduction. For the 2025 tax year, the standard deduction is $15,750 for single filers and $31,500 if you’re married filing jointly. Itemize only if your deductions exceed your standard deduction.

• Common tax deductions can lower your tax burden. Popular tax credits include the child tax credit, earned income tax credit, child and dependent care credit and the American opportunity tax credit. 

Your tax software will calculate whether itemizing saves you money compared to the standard deduction, and will recommend the better option.

Step 5: Review, File and Choose How You’ll Get Paid

Before submitting, make sure you carefully review your return. Double-check all information, including:

• Your Social Security numbers

• Income documentation

• Bank account numbers

• Tax calculation summary

• Software warnings or error messages

You can then choose to e-file or mail your return directly to the IRS. Your refunds will be processed more quickly, which means you’ll also receive your refunds faster.

To receive your refund as fast as possible, opt for direct deposit. You’ll typically get your refund one to two weeks faster than a paper check, which takes time to process and mail. 

Common DIY Tax Mistakes — and How To Avoid Them

If you’re DIYing your taxes, here are a few common tax mistakes you’ll want to avoid: 

• Entering the wrong Social Security number: This can cause processing delays or rejections.

• Forgetting to report all income: May happen if you have multiple sources of income from W-2s and/or 1099s. 

• Choosing the wrong filing status: Head of household may save you more than a single filing, but you might not necessarily qualify. 

• Missing valuable credits and deductions: These could save you hundreds or thousands every year. Don’t skip this section in the software, assuming credits don’t apply, and let the software flag tax-saving opportunities.

• Filing before you have all the documents: Income documents arrive through early February, so don’t file too soon and risk missing something that requires an amended return later.  

When DIY Taxes Might Not Be the Right Move

Doing your own taxes isn’t the right choice for everyone. You may want to consider working with a tax professional if you meet any of the following criteria: 

• Self-employment with significant expenses: Maximizing business deductions while staying compliant can require both careful recordkeeping and expertise.

• Multiple states: If you live in one state and work in another or move mid-year, there may be complex filing requirements that you may want assistance with.

• Major life events: Getting divorced, receiving an inheritance or selling a home can all have complicated tax implications. 

• Rental properties: Factors like depreciation, passive loss limitations and distinguishing between repairs and improvements may benefit from specialized knowledge of a tax preparer.

• Foreign income or assets: Requirements for foreign bank accounts or tax credits add layers of complexity that can be difficult to manage solo.

• IRS issues from prior years: If you owe back taxes, are on a payment plan or are trying to sort out past years’ taxes for some reason, professional guidance can ensure you don’t make the problem worse. 

How Long DIY Taxes Usually Take

The time required to DIY your taxes depends on your situation's complexity.

Simple returns involving W-2 income, the standard deduction and no dependents may take one to two hours for most people. It may take less time if you’ve filed with the same software before and can import the prior year’s information.

Moderately complex returns may involve W-2 income plus some 1099 income, itemization, dependents and common credits. These returns may take three to four hours, which includes gathering documents, entering the information and reviewing your return.  

Key Takeaways

• DIY tax filing works well for straightforward situations that may involve W-2 income with standard deductions, but complex returns may require professional help.

• Modern tax software does the heavy lifting through interview-style questions and automatic calculations.

• Free filing options exist for those making under $89,000 in the 2025 tax year, and software is cheaper than hiring a professional if your taxes are straightforward.

• E-file for direct deposit for faster processing and refunds, and always keep a copy of your repeated return. 

DIY Taxes FAQ

Interested in learning to do your taxes yourself, but worried about whether it’s the right choice for you? These answers may provide the clarity you need.

Is it safe to do your own taxes online?

Yes, it’s safe to do your own taxes online. You can file with dedicated tax software like TurboTax or file through the IRS’s e-filing system. However, if you have any questions, you can talk to a tax professional.

Can I DIY my taxes for free?

Yes, you can DIY your taxes for free if you’re confident in your ability to do so. All IRS forms are available for free online. Just file by mail or online through the IRS’s e-filing system.

How do I know if I should use a tax professional?

You should use a tax professional if your taxes are complicated or if you’re unsure of doing them correctly. Common scenarios when you may want to consult a tax professional include:

• You have self-employment income with significant expenses. 

• You own rental properties.

• You filed in multiple states.

• You went through major life changes, such as going through a divorce or receiving an inheritance.

• You received IRS notices in prior years. 

• You feel overwhelmed about your tax situation. 

Keep in mind that a tax professional’s guidance could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars, so when in doubt, consult a pro. 

How hard is it to learn to do your own taxes?

For straightforward situations like simple W-2 income and taking the standard deduction, learning to DIY your own taxes using modern software isn’t hard. Tax software now uses interview-style questions, guiding you through each section.

For some people with complex income and tax scenarios, however, it’s much more challenging. In these cases, you may want to consult a tax professional. 

Sources

• IRS. 2026. “Child and Dependent Care Credit information.”

• IRS. 2026. “E-file: Do your taxes for free.”

• IRS. 2025. “IRS releases tax inflation adjustments for tax year 2026, including amendments from the One, Big, Beautiful Bill.”