Things You'll Need:
- Financial records
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Step 1
File a 1040 (Individual Income Tax Return) for the current year. A similar form is valid for businesses, local government agencies and other for-profit organizations. File a 1040 ES (Estimated Income Tax Payments for Individuals) for payments that are due April 15, June 15, September 15, or January 15. All U.S. workers are expected to file a 1040 or 1040 ES form for each tax year. Failure to do so may result in penalties, including harsh fines or jail time. An extension may be filed if applicable. However, the 1040 X form must be filed prior to the required deadline, which can vary by state.
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Step 2
File a Schedule G for all charitable donations. For vehicle donations valued over $500 dollars, an invoice or receipt is required. All donations made to a church or other non-profit organization should be itemized with a donation receipt provided with the document. For eFile filing, receipts may be mailed in separately.
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Step 3
If you do not receive your W2 form from an employer or contractor, you will need to file a substitute for an unobtainable Form W-2. For example, Illinois resident tax payers would need to file a IL4852 form. Contact your State Revenue department to learn the title number for a similar form in your state.
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Step 4
File Form 1128 if you wish to change information for a previous tax year or adopt a new calendar year. For example, newly married individuals wanting to change to the tax year of their spouse would use this form to do so. Persons wanting to file a joint return with a spouse, who is subject to a different tax year, would make such a request using form 1128.
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Step 5
File Form 433-A if you are self employed. All self employed individuals must use this form to complete the year's taxes and include receipts of payments or 1099s.
