SPONSORED ADVERTISING: Millions can file a free tax return

Filing requirements depend on a combination of circumstances, including filing status, income and age. Taxpayers who aren’t sure if they have to file a return can answer an online IRS quiz but must know their filing status, federal income tax withheld and gross income. 

Generally, taxpayers must file if their gross income exceeds $10,350 for single filers or $20,700 for married couples filing jointly. However, if a taxpayer is a dependent of another taxpayer, the dependent will have a lower filing requirement that could kick in as low as $1,050 in unearned income or $6,300 for earned income.

Anyone earning income should consider filing a return, even if the IRS does not require them to file. Workers who are not required to file a tax return because their income is below their filing threshold should file a return to get a refund of all taxes withheld and/or to claim other tax benefits, such as the earned income tax credit. One in five eligible taxpayers does not claim this credit, which averages $2,482 per taxpayer. Millions of workers miss this credit because they are not required and decline to file.

The deadline for filing federal individual tax returns is typically April 15. In 2017, federal tax returns for most taxpayers will be due April 18 because the 15 falls on a Saturday and the 17 falls on a federal holiday. This is also the deadline to request an automatic six-month extension to file, which gives taxpayers until October 15 to submit a return without a late-filing penalty. The six-month extension deadline is October 16 this year, because October 15 is a Sunday.

To avoid late payment penalties and interest, taxpayers must pay at least 90 percent of any taxes owed by the April deadline. Even if they file for an extension, the extended October deadline only applies to filing the return, not the tax payment.

Do-it-yourself software and online tax programs select the appropriate forms and use everyday language, making tax law easier to understand. However, the assistance from a qualified tax professional can help put taxpayers of all income levels at ease and does not require any understanding of taxes. Ultimately, it is the taxpayer’s comfort level and personal preference that determine the best method.

When choosing a tax professional, taxpayers should look for someone with ongoing education and expertise, who can keep personal information secure, guarantees their work and is available year-round. When looking for a DIY option, taxpayers should choose a reputable program that uses multiple layers of protection and guarantees its results.

If a taxpayer discovers a mistake on their return after filing, they can file an amended tax return at any time. To get a refund, the original or amended return must generally be filed three years from the original due date of the return. For example, an amended return for the tax year 2013 must generally be filed by April 18, 2017.

If first-time filers finish their return and discover they had too much or too little tax withheld during the year – meaning they got too big a refund or owed more – they can adjust how much tax is withheld in 2017. They should review, and change if necessary, the W-4 form they completed for their employer. The employer uses the W-4 to determine how much income tax to withhold from paychecks to cover tax liability. Employees can adjust their W-4 at any time.

A W-4 calculator can help taxpayers decide how to fill out or adjust their own W-4.

Many first-time filers will only need to file a 1040EZ – the shortest and simplest tax form. Generally, a 1040EZ filer is a taxpayer who files single or married filing jointly who does not pay mortgage interest, has no dependents and earned less than $100,000 last year.

Approximately 23 million taxpayers can file a federal 1040EZ for free through February 28 at participating H&R Block offices. This gives those taxpayers access to expert assistance in completing their returns and guarantees they get their maximum refund. Because even when filing a simple return, having assistance from a qualified tax professional provides taxpayers confidence that they aren’t leaving any money on the table.

Taxes can be intimidating, but first-time filers who at least know what to expect will be better prepared for tax season – and may even learn to love it.