![taxes-2024:-a-cheat-sheet-to-filing-your-tax-return-–-cnet-[cnet]](https://i0.wp.com/upmytech.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/164090-taxes-2024-a-cheat-sheet-to-filing-your-tax-return-cnet-cnet.jpg?resize=300%2C208&ssl=1)
Taxes 2024: A Cheat Sheet to Filing Your Tax Return – CNET [CNET]
Peter is a writer and editor for the CNET How-To team. He has been covering technology, software, finance, sports and video games since working for @Home Network and Excite in the 1990s. Peter managed reviews and listings for Download.com during the 2000s, and is passionate about software and no-nonsense advice for creators, consumers and investors.
Expertise 18 years of editorial experience with a current focus on personal finance and moving
In just under a week, the IRS will begin accepting tax returns, kicking off the 2024 tax season. If you plan to file as soon as possible, make sure you have all the paperwork necessary to prepare your return.
Completing your taxes isn’t always easy, especially when you aren’t a tax professional or up to date with the latest tax laws. The rules vary by year and person, depending on your filing status, age, income and other factors.
As you navigate the 2024 tax season, use our cheat sheet to help you find all the answers you need. The resources below provide expert advice on tricky tax topics and can help you start your return.
Hopefully, these resources can help you file with confidence, get the biggest tax refund possible and minimize stress.
How to get started with your taxes
As with most tasks, the hardest part of doing your taxes is starting. You have to gather all your necessary forms (and track down any that are missing), pick a service or software to use and then spend hours completing your return.
No wonder almost a third of Americans wait until the last minute to file, according to a survey from financial services company IPX1031. Filing as early as possible has its advantages to consider.
Here’s some info to help you jumpstart your tax return:
- What Are the Tax Deadlines for the 2024 Tax Season?
- How to Create an Online IRS Account and Why You Should
- 7 Good Reasons to File Your Tax Return Early
- How to File Your Taxes With a Phone or Tablet
- All the Ways You Can File Taxes for Free
- The Best Tax Software for 2023
Form, forms and more tax forms
There are a lot of tax documents: There’s the W-2 your company sends you, assorted 1099 forms for other income, a 1098 form for mortgage interest and many others.
In all, the IRS provides 2,854 different tax forms on its website. Learn about the ones you need in 2024, and what to do if you are missing any.
- What Is a W-2 Form and What to Do If You Haven’t Received Yours
- All the Different 1099 Tax Forms Explained
- Venmo and Cash App Income: Will You Get a 1099-K?
- How to Scan Important Tax Documents With Your Phone
Review your tax credits and tax deductions
Once you’ve started your return for tax year 2023, make sure you get every penny owed to you. One way to maximize your tax refund is to check all of the potential tax credits and deductions that could lower your tax bill.
Learn the basics of itemizing deductions (or taking the standard deduction), and review all the ways that you can pay less or get a bigger refund.
- How to Choose Between the Standard Deduction and Itemized Deductions
- Biggest Tax Credits Boost Your Tax Refund Even if You Don’t Itemize
- What Is the Child Tax Credit and Who Qualifies for It?
- All the Possible Tax Credits and Deductions for Homeowners
- Green Tax Breaks Give Money Back for Energy Efficiency
All about tax refunds
After you’ve finished your 2023 tax return and sent it to the IRS, the waiting begins. Fortunately, the IRS makes it easy to track your return and refund.
Learn more about how to track your tax refund, whether it’s directly deposited or mailed as a paper check, as well as other tips for getting your money quickly and securely.
- Where’s My Tax Refund? How to Track Your IRS Money
- How to Track Your Tax Refund Check in the US Mail
- Get Your Tax Refund Faster With Direct Deposit
- How to Get Your Tax Refund Two Days Early
- How to Protect Your Tax Refund From Identity Theft
Answers to specific tax questions in 2024
Everyone’s financial situation is unique, but several common quandaries flummox even the most diligent taxpayers.
Here are a few of the more common tax questions for 2024:
- Do I Have to Pay Taxes on My State Stimulus Check?
- Do Social Security Recipients Need to File a Tax Return?
- Do SSI Recipients Need to File Taxes?
- Do SSDI Beneficiaries Need to File a Tax Return?
- Can You Claim a Boyfriend or Girlfriend as a Dependent?
- Which Divorced Parent Gets to Claim the Child Tax Credit?
- If Student Debt Relief Goes Through, Will You Owe More in Taxes?
How to get help on your taxes
If you can’t find the tax answers you need on your own, don’t despair. There are free resources that can help get your tax return finished and filed.
Good luck with filing your return. Be sure to check back as we update this list often with more tax explainers and tips for 2024.
![10-top-artificial-intelligence-(ai)-applications-in-healthcare-[venturebeat]](https://i0.wp.com/upmytech.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/89173-10-top-artificial-intelligence-ai-applications-in-healthcare-venturebeat.jpg?resize=390%2C205&ssl=1)
![save-up-to-25%-on-a-new-lg-refrigerator-with-deals-on-these-award-winning-appliances-–-cnet-[cnet]](https://i0.wp.com/upmytech.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/146135-save-up-to-25-on-a-new-lg-refrigerator-with-deals-on-these-award-winning-appliances-cnet-cnet.jpg?resize=300%2C169&ssl=1)