How to Fill Income Tax Return Forms

Most of us do not look forward to what can seem to be a daunting task every year at tax time, but you can do it. The tax return is broken down into sections, so just take it one step at a time. Irs.gov offers help sections for each area of your return if you have questions.

1. Fill in the name, address and SSN block area first. Include your name and your spouse's. Be sure that all your information is correct here. Any errors anywhere on your forms can delay processing of your return.


2. Have your W-2's or income information from self-employment. The form specifies which block on your W-2 has the necessary information. This is true in other places of the tax form as well, so keep the W-2 handy.


3. Check the appropriate box in the “Filing Status” area. These are self-explanatory. Single persons with a dependent use “Head of Household” or “Widower.”


4. Enter information in the “Exemptions” area. This is for claiming children or other dependents you provided for under certain rules. Include everyone's social security number. Add up the total.


5. Include information the specified sources of income in the next section. Use your W-2 information here along with any forms provided due to income from investments, profits from the sale of a property and unemployment compensation. Add all your income.


6. Adjust for education expenses, self-paid health insurance, alimony you paid and other payments in the “Adjusted Gross Income” portion. This reduces your taxable income.


7. Take the standard or itemized deductions in the “Tax and Credits” section. People who can show they have more in itemized deductions or are self-employed will itemize and use a Schedule C, while the rest take the standard deductions. Here you can take credits for child care expenses to work and contributions for retirement.


8. Report Social Security income and self-employment tax in the “Other Taxes” section.


9. Enter in the “Payments” area how much you paid in for Federal income tax reported on the W-2 and do the worksheet to see if you qualify for the Earned Income Credit next, along with anything else that applies to you in the “Payments” section.


10. Calculate your refund or the amount you owe in the “Refund” or “Amount You Owe” sections. Sign and date your return and include all forms, such as the EIC form and Extra Child Tax Credit forms as required.