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Filing an individual federal income tax return is a yearly responsibility for most U.S. taxpayers, and IRS Form 1040 is at the center of this process. Whether you’re a salaried employee, self-employed, a retiree, or receiving income from investments, this form allows you to report your income, calculate your tax liability, claim applicable credits, and determine if you’re owed a refund or need to make a payment. This guide provides a detailed walkthrough of IRS Form 1040, explaining each of its sections and the associated schedules that may be required to complete your filing accurately.

Overview of Form 1040 and Its Purpose

IRS Form 1040 is the standard form that individual taxpayers use to report their income to the federal government. It’s also where you claim deductions and credits, report tax payments, and calculate how much you owe or how much the government owes you.

This form is used by U.S. citizens and residents who meet certain income thresholds. Whether you work for an employer, own a business, or earn income from other sources such as investments, the IRS uses Form 1040 to assess your overall tax responsibility for the year.

Variants of Form 1040

There are several different versions of Form 1040, each designed for specific groups of taxpayers:

Form 1040-SR

Created for individuals aged 65 and older, Form 1040-SR features a more accessible layout with larger print. It includes the same information as the regular Form 1040 but is tailored to meet the needs of senior filers.

Form 1040-ES

This form is used to make estimated tax payments throughout the year. Individuals with income not subject to withholding, such as self-employed workers or those earning investment income, use this form to stay current with their tax obligations.

Form 1040-V

A payment voucher used when mailing a paper tax return along with a check or money order. It ensures the IRS applies your payment to the correct account.

Form 1040-X

Used for filing amendments to previously submitted returns. If you need to correct income, deductions, credits, or other information, Form 1040-X is the appropriate document to use.

Form 1040-NR

Designed for nonresident aliens with U.S.-sourced income, such as foreign students or workers temporarily residing in the U.S. It serves a similar purpose as Form 1040 but is specifically for nonresidents.

Personal Information Section

At the top of the form, you’ll fill in identifying information including:

• Name and address
• Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number
• Filing status (single, married filing jointly, head of household, etc.)
• Information on dependents

Dependents should be listed with their names, Social Security numbers, and relationship to you. You also need to indicate whether they qualify for credits like the Child Tax Credit or the Credit for Other Dependents.

Income Reporting

This section of the form is used to report all types of income received during the year. This includes:

• Wages, salaries, and tips (reported on Form W-2)
• Interest and dividends
• Capital gains
• Business income
• Rental income
• Retirement income, including pensions and Social Security
• Unemployment compensation
• Alimony received (if applicable under law)

Income from less traditional sources like gambling winnings or forgiven debts may also be reported here. If you have other types of income not directly listed on Form 1040, you’ll need to use Schedule 1.

Adjustments to Income

After your gross income is totaled, you may reduce it with certain adjustments to determine your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI). These adjustments include:

• Educator expenses
• Student loan interest deduction
• Contributions to traditional IRAs
• Health Savings Account (HSA) deductions
• Self-employment health insurance deduction
• Penalty on early savings withdrawal
• Alimony paid (if applicable under current law)

These deductions appear on the second page of Schedule 1. Reducing your AGI can help qualify you for additional deductions and credits.

Deductions and Taxable Income

Once AGI is determined, you can apply either the standard deduction or itemize your deductions using Schedule A. The choice depends on which option reduces your taxable income more. The standard deduction varies depending on your filing status and increases for those aged 65 and over or who are blind.

Common itemized deductions include:

• Medical and dental expenses
• Mortgage interest
• State and local taxes
• Charitable contributions
• Casualty and theft losses in federally declared disaster areas

Subtracting deductions from AGI gives you your taxable income, which is used to calculate the tax due.

Calculating Your Tax and Claiming Credits

Next, the tax owed on your taxable income is calculated using the IRS tax tables or software tools. At this point, you can also apply nonrefundable tax credits, which directly reduce the amount of tax you owe. Examples include:

• Child Tax Credit
• Credit for Other Dependents
• Education credits such as the American Opportunity and Lifetime Learning credits
• Retirement savings contributions credit

Refundable credits may also be claimed, which can generate a refund even if your tax liability is zero. Common refundable credits include:

• Earned Income Credit (EIC)
• Additional Child Tax Credit
• Premium Tax Credit
• American Opportunity Credit (partially refundable)

Additional taxes such as the self-employment tax or the alternative minimum tax may be calculated using Schedule 2.

Payments Made During the Year

This section reports any payments you made toward your tax liability, including:

• Federal income tax withheld from wages, pensions, or other sources
• Estimated tax payments submitted during the year
• Any overpayment applied from the prior year’s return
• Amounts paid with an extension request

This information helps determine whether you owe additional taxes or are due a refund.

Refund or Balance Due

Once taxes, credits, and payments have been accounted for, the form determines if you will receive a refund or owe money. If you are due a refund, you can request a direct deposit by providing your bank account information.

If you owe taxes, you have the option of paying electronically, by check, or setting up a payment plan. For paper filers paying by check, Form 1040-V accompanies the payment to ensure it’s correctly processed by the IRS.

Schedules Associated with Form 1040

Depending on the nature of your income or credits, you may be required to attach supplemental schedules:

Schedule 1 – Additional Income and Adjustments

Schedule 1 includes sources of income not listed on the main form, such as:

• Business income or loss
• Rental real estate income
• Unemployment compensation
• Alimony received
• Prizes, awards, and gambling winnings

The second part of Schedule 1 includes adjustments to income like:

• Student loan interest
• Retirement contributions
• Educator expenses
• Health savings account contributions

Schedule 2 – Additional Taxes

Schedule 2 is used to report additional taxes including:

• Self-employment tax
• Alternative minimum tax (AMT)
• Repayment of the premium tax credit
• Additional taxes on IRAs or other tax-favored accounts
• Household employment taxes

These amounts are added to your total tax liability on Form 1040.

Schedule 3 – Additional Credits and Payments

Schedule 3 captures nonrefundable credits and additional tax payments not reported elsewhere. These include:

• Foreign tax credit
• Education credits
• Child and dependent care credit
• Adoption credit
• Residential energy credit
• Mortgage interest credit

These credits reduce your overall tax bill and may be carried over to future years in some cases.

Filing Requirements and Deadlines

The deadline to file Form 1040 is typically April 15. If the date falls on a weekend or legal holiday, the due date is the next business day. You can request an extension to file by submitting Form 4868, which grants an additional six months, though taxes owed must still be paid by the original deadline.

Quarterly estimated payments using Form 1040-ES are due on April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15 of the following year. Missing a deadline can result in penalties and interest on unpaid amounts. Form 1040-X can be used to file amendments within three years from the original due date or two years from the date the tax was paid, whichever is later.

Filing Scenarios for Different Taxpayer Groups

IRS Form 1040 serves as the universal form for individual tax filers in the United States, but not all taxpayers interact with it the same way. Various circumstances such as age, residency status, employment type, and income sources influence how Form 1040 is completed. We explore how different taxpayer profiles use Form 1040 and its related schedules and versions.

Filing for Seniors: Using Form 1040-SR

Form 1040-SR is specifically designed for individuals aged 65 and older. Though the underlying content and tax calculations remain identical to the standard Form 1040, the formatting of Form 1040-SR is more accessible. It features larger fonts and includes a standard deduction chart directly on the form to simplify reference.

Many seniors benefit from:

• A higher standard deduction due to age
• Income sources that include Social Security, pensions, annuities, and retirement distributions
• Eligibility for the Credit for the Elderly or Disabled if income thresholds are met

To complete Form 1040-SR accurately, retirees must pay close attention to the taxation of Social Security benefits. Depending on total income and filing status, a portion of Social Security may be taxable. This requires completing a worksheet to determine the taxable portion.

Additionally, retirement account distributions may be subject to income tax. Forms such as 1099-R report these distributions and must be included with the return. If required minimum distributions were not taken on time, a penalty may apply, reportable on Schedule 2.

Self-Employed Individuals and Independent Contractors

Self-employed taxpayers, freelancers, gig workers, and independent contractors often encounter a more complex filing process. These individuals typically receive Form 1099-NEC or 1099-K to report their non-employee income. In such cases, the income is reported on Schedule C, which feeds into Schedule 1 and ultimately Form 1040.

Expenses related to self-employment can be deducted to reduce taxable income. Common deductible expenses include:

• Office supplies
• Travel and meals
• Marketing and advertising costs
• Home office deductions
• Vehicle expenses used for business purposes

In addition to regular income tax, self-employed taxpayers must pay self-employment tax, which covers Social Security and Medicare contributions. This is calculated using Schedule SE and reported on Schedule 2.

Deductions for half the self-employment tax, health insurance premiums, and contributions to retirement plans such as SEP IRAs or solo 401(k)s appear on Schedule 1 as adjustments to income. Estimated taxes must be paid quarterly using Form 1040-ES to avoid underpayment penalties. Each payment is due mid-month in April, June, September, and January of the following year.

Wage Earners and Employees

Wage-earning individuals typically receive a Form W-2 from their employer that summarizes income earned and taxes withheld during the year. Filing is generally more straightforward for this group, but it can still involve multiple schedules depending on deductions and credits claimed.

Employees can deduct limited work-related expenses if they qualify as unreimbursed expenses for certain occupations, such as performing artists or government officials paid on a fee basis. Otherwise, miscellaneous deductions were mostly suspended under recent tax law changes.

Credits like the Earned Income Credit, education credits, and the child and dependent care credit often apply to this group. These are entered directly on Form 1040 or through Schedule 3. Employees may also have other income to report, such as interest from savings, dividends, or side business earnings. These sources are added via Schedule 1 if they’re not covered on the main form.

Families with Dependents

Families claiming children or other qualifying dependents must provide detailed information to support tax credit eligibility. Dependents must have valid Social Security numbers or ITINs to qualify for many credits.

Key benefits include:

• Child Tax Credit
• Additional Child Tax Credit
• Credit for Other Dependents
• Child and Dependent Care Credit

Families may also claim the Head of Household filing status if they meet support and residency requirements. This status often results in a higher standard deduction and more favorable tax brackets compared to single filing status.

Education credits are available for taxpayers supporting college-aged dependents. The American Opportunity Credit and Lifetime Learning Credit can help offset tuition and related expenses, provided certain eligibility criteria are met. These credits are claimed on Schedule 3.

Married Couples Filing Jointly or Separately

Married taxpayers have the option to file jointly or separately. Filing jointly usually results in a lower combined tax bill and offers access to higher income thresholds for tax credits and deductions.

However, there are situations where filing separately is beneficial, such as:

• One spouse has significant medical expenses
• One spouse has large miscellaneous itemized deductions
• To separate liability for tax issues or outstanding debts

Married couples filing separately lose access to certain benefits, including the Earned Income Credit and some education credits. It’s essential to prepare returns both ways to determine which status is more beneficial. When filing jointly, all income, deductions, and credits for both spouses are combined. Each spouse is equally responsible for the accuracy of the return and any taxes due.

Nonresident Aliens Using Form 1040-NR

Nonresident aliens who have U.S. source income must file using Form 1040-NR. This includes foreign students, researchers, athletes, and other nonresidents who earned income while temporarily in the U.S.

Form 1040-NR differs from the standard Form 1040 in several ways:

• It does not allow for joint filing
• Only certain itemized deductions are permitted
• Credits and deductions are limited to treaty benefits or those explicitly allowed to nonresidents

Income must be broken down by type and source, and only income connected to U.S. trade or business is taxable. Scholarship income, compensation for services, and capital gains may all require reporting on this form, depending on tax treaty provisions.

Supporting documents may include:

• Form 8843 for students and trainees
• Form W-8BEN for treaty claims
• Copies of passport and visa

Individuals With Investment Income

Taxpayers who earn dividends, interest, or capital gains must report these amounts on Form 1040. Interest and ordinary dividends are reported directly on the main form, while qualified dividends and capital gains require additional detail on Schedule D.

Capital gains may be short-term or long-term, and each is taxed at different rates. Short-term gains are taxed at ordinary income tax rates, while long-term gains benefit from reduced rates depending on income.

Net investment income may be subject to a 3.8 percent surtax if income exceeds certain thresholds. This tax is calculated using Form 8960 and reported on Schedule 2. Investors must also keep accurate records of purchase prices and sale proceeds to calculate gains and losses. Brokerages typically provide Form 1099-B with this information.

Rental Property Owners

Income from rental real estate must be reported on Schedule E. This includes residential properties, vacation homes rented out part-time, or commercial real estate. Rental income is included on Schedule 1 via Schedule E and contributes to total income on Form 1040.

Deductible expenses for rental properties include:

• Mortgage interest
• Property taxes
• Depreciation
• Repairs and maintenance
• Management fees

Net income from rental activities is subject to income tax and may also be subject to the self-employment tax if the activity is considered a business. Losses may be limited based on passive activity rules, unless the taxpayer qualifies as a real estate professional. Real estate transactions, including property sales, must be reported on Form 4797 or Schedule D, depending on the situation.

Farmers and Agricultural Workers

Farm income is reported on Schedule F, which is attached to Form 1040. This schedule includes proceeds from crop sales, livestock, and other agricultural activities. Like other businesses, farmers can deduct expenses related to producing and selling their products.

Deductible expenses include:

• Feed and fertilizer
• Equipment maintenance and depreciation
• Labor costs
• Fuel and utilities

Farmers may be eligible for special provisions such as income averaging. They are also required to make estimated tax payments unless two-thirds of their income is from farming, in which case they may file and pay by March 1 without penalty. Losses from farming may offset other income, and excess losses may be carried forward.

Individuals With Foreign Income

U.S. citizens and resident aliens must report worldwide income. If income is earned abroad, it must still be included on Form 1040. However, credits and exclusions can help avoid double taxation.

Common forms for foreign income filers include:

• Form 2555 to claim the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion
• Form 1116 to claim the Foreign Tax Credit

Foreign accounts must be disclosed if balances exceed certain thresholds. This includes filing the Foreign Bank Account Report (FBAR) with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network and possibly Form 8938 with the IRS.

Special rules apply to the treatment of foreign pensions, investment income, and business ownership. Taxpayers living abroad may also qualify for an automatic two-month filing extension, though interest on any balance due will still accrue from the April deadline.

Military Personnel and Veterans

Members of the U.S. Armed Forces receive special tax benefits and may qualify for extended filing deadlines, income exclusions, and additional deductions. Combat pay is partially or fully excluded from taxable income depending on the situation. This exclusion can affect eligibility for certain credits. Extensions are also granted to service members stationed in combat zones.

Military moving expenses, uniform deductions, and travel reimbursements may be deductible under specific conditions. Veterans receiving disability compensation or military retirement pay must follow IRS rules for correctly reporting or excluding these amounts. Deployment-related tax relief is usually automatic, but documentation may be necessary to support exclusions or extensions.

Students and Recent Graduates

Students may have several income sources, including wages, scholarships, grants, and fellowships. Some scholarship income is tax-free if used for qualified education expenses, but amounts used for room, board, or travel are taxable. Recent graduates may begin repaying student loans and can claim the student loan interest deduction. They may also qualify for education credits or receive Form 1098-T, which reports tuition and education-related expenses.

Students working part-time must ensure that their employers withhold taxes accurately. They may be claimed as dependents on their parents’ return, which could limit their ability to claim personal exemptions or certain credits. Understanding how Form 1040 applies to your unique situation ensures you claim all eligible benefits and meet filing obligations accurately. The third and final part of this guide will cover the process of completing and submitting Form 1040, along with strategies to avoid common filing errors.

Choosing How to File Your Federal Tax Return

Filing your federal tax return starts with deciding how you want to file. There are two main options: electronically or by mailing a paper return. Each has its benefits and drawbacks, depending on your comfort with technology, the complexity of your tax situation, and how quickly you want to receive your refund.

Electronic filing, or e-filing, has become the most common method because of its speed, accuracy, and convenience. It allows returns to be processed faster, reduces the chances of errors due to built-in checks, and enables quicker refunds through direct deposit. E-filing is often preferred by those with straightforward tax situations or those who want to avoid the delays and extra steps of mailing.

Paper filing is still a valid method and is preferred by some who are more comfortable with traditional paperwork or have specific filing needs not supported through electronic systems. Mailing your return requires additional time for delivery and processing, but for certain taxpayers, it may feel more secure or appropriate.

Preparing to File Form 1040

Whether you choose to file electronically or by mail, preparation is crucial. Start by collecting all the necessary documents that report your income, adjustments, credits, and payments. These typically include:

• Form W-2 from employers
• Form 1099 series for freelance work, dividends, interest, and retirement distributions
• Form 1098 for mortgage interest or tuition payments
• Records of unemployment income
• Receipts or documentation for deductions and credits
• Social Security statements (Form SSA-1099)
• Prior year’s tax return (for reference)

Organizing these documents before starting ensures a smoother process and reduces the chances of missing important details.

Filing Form 1040 Electronically

E-filing is available to most individual taxpayers, including those with complex returns involving multiple schedules. The IRS provides access to free filing options for eligible taxpayers through its Free File program. Many third-party software platforms also offer guided tax return preparation and e-filing features for a fee or free under certain conditions.

To e-file your return:

• Choose a reliable e-filing platform or service.
• Create an account or log in to an existing profile.
• Follow step-by-step instructions to enter your personal information, income, deductions, and credits.
• Review your return carefully for any discrepancies or missing information.
• Submit your return electronically to the IRS.
• Select your refund method—usually direct deposit—or payment method if you owe taxes.
• Save or print a copy of your completed return for your records.

Most e-file platforms automatically transmit your return to the IRS and provide a confirmation receipt when accepted. They also offer IRS PIN verification and direct deposit setup.

Filing Form 1040 by Mail

For those who prefer paper filing, completing a hard copy of Form 1040 and sending it by mail is a viable option. It’s important to use the correct mailing address, which depends on your state of residence and whether or not you are enclosing a payment.

Steps to mail your Form 1040:

• Download the latest IRS Form 1040 and schedules from the IRS website or obtain a paper copy.
• Complete the form by hand or fill it out digitally and print it.
• Attach all necessary schedules, forms, and documentation.
• Include a check or money order with Form 1040-V (payment voucher) if you owe taxes and are mailing a payment.
• Sign and date the return. If filing jointly, both spouses must sign.
• Place the forms in a properly addressed envelope and apply sufficient postage.
• Mail it to the IRS using the appropriate address listed in the IRS instructions for your state.

Use certified mail with a return receipt to track delivery if desired. Returns must be postmarked by the tax deadline to be considered on time.

Key Considerations for Filing

There are several considerations to keep in mind when filing Form 1040 to ensure accuracy and compliance:

• Always double-check names, Social Security numbers, and birthdates for accuracy.
• Review each entry carefully for math errors or omitted lines.
• Be aware of tax law changes each year and update deductions and credits accordingly.
• Ensure all required forms and schedules are included.
• Maintain copies of all forms, schedules, and documentation for at least three years.

Understanding Direct Deposit and Refund Timelines

If you are owed a refund and filed electronically with direct deposit, you may receive it within 21 days. Some refunds may take longer if your return is flagged for additional review. Using direct deposit speeds up the refund process and minimizes risks related to mailed checks.

If filing by mail, processing takes longer, and mailed checks add a few more days to the delivery timeline. Refunds issued via check may take six weeks or longer. It’s important to note that the IRS does not process returns on a first-come, first-served basis; they follow a system of return validation, identity verification, and refund release.

How to Pay if You Owe Taxes

If you owe taxes, the IRS provides multiple payment options. You can pay electronically via:

• Direct debit from your bank account
• Debit or credit card payments (a processing fee may apply)
• IRS Direct Pay system

If mailing your return, include a check or money order made payable to the United States Treasury. Include your name, address, phone number, Social Security number, tax year, and Form 1040 on the payment.

You can also set up an installment agreement if you are unable to pay in full. The IRS offers short-term and long-term payment plans, which can be applied for online or by submitting Form 9465.

Using Identity Protection PINs

The IRS offers Identity Protection PINs (IP PINs) to eligible taxpayers to prevent fraudulent tax returns from being filed using their information. An IP PIN is a six-digit number that adds a layer of security.

Taxpayers can apply for an IP PIN online by verifying their identity. Once issued, the IP PIN must be used on all tax returns filed for that tax year. Failure to include the IP PIN if required will result in your return being rejected.

What Happens After You File

After you file your return, the IRS will:

• Acknowledge receipt if filed electronically
• Review your return for completeness and accuracy
• Notify you of any discrepancies or requests for additional documentation

You can check your refund status online using the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool, typically available 24 hours after e-filing or 4 weeks after mailing your return. If you receive a letter or notice from the IRS after filing, read it carefully and respond promptly to avoid delays or penalties.

Handling Mistakes After Filing

Mistakes on your return can be corrected by filing Form 1040-X. This amended return allows you to revise errors or omissions related to income, credits, deductions, or filing status.

Form 1040-X must be filed within three years of the original return’s due date or within two years of paying the tax, whichever is later. It cannot be filed electronically for all years, so check eligibility before submitting.

Common reasons for amending a return include:

• Receiving new or corrected income statements
• Forgetting to claim a deduction or credit
• Filing with an incorrect filing status

Always wait until the IRS has processed your original return before submitting Form 1040-X.

Keeping Records and Documentation

Keeping thorough tax records is essential. You should retain copies of your filed tax returns, W-2s, 1099s, and supporting documentation for at least three years from the date you filed. If you file a claim for a loss or bad debt deduction, or if you underreported income by more than 25 percent, you may need to keep records for up to seven years. 

For property-related documents, maintain records until you dispose of the property and report the transaction on your return. Accurate documentation helps in the event of an audit or dispute and supports any claims or credits taken on your return.

Special Situations and Form 1040

Some taxpayers have special circumstances that affect how they file Form 1040. These situations may include:

• Married couples who want to file separately instead of jointly
• Taxpayers with dependents claiming special credits like the Additional Child Tax Credit
• Self-employed individuals reporting income and expenses through Schedule C
• Individuals with foreign income, requiring Form 2555 or the foreign tax credit
• Those who received advance premium tax credits for health insurance coverage

Each of these cases may require additional forms or schedules. It’s important to review IRS instructions carefully or consult a tax professional to ensure proper reporting.

Filing for Deceased Individuals

If filing a return for someone who passed away during the tax year, you’ll still use Form 1040. The person’s income up to the date of death must be reported, and any refund due can be claimed by filing Form 1310 if you are not the surviving spouse or court-appointed representative.

Surviving spouses may file a joint return for the year of death. If the individual had income after death, the executor may need to file an estate or trust income tax return using Form 1041.

Filing State Income Tax Returns

In addition to filing your federal return with Form 1040, you may also need to file a state income tax return. State filing requirements and forms vary widely, so it’s important to check your state’s department of revenue or tax agency for specific instructions.

Some states use information from your federal return to determine your state tax, while others require additional forms or documentation. Filing both returns together, when allowed, can streamline the process and minimize errors.

Avoiding Penalties and Interest

To avoid penalties and interest, always file your return on time—even if you cannot pay the full amount owed. Filing an extension using Form 4868 gives you until October 15 to file, but it does not extend the time to pay.

Pay as much as you can by the April deadline to reduce interest and penalties. If you miss the deadline without an extension, late-filing and late-payment penalties may apply. Stay up to date with changes in tax law each year, and respond to all IRS communications to avoid enforcement actions or collections.

Filing Form 1040 Efficiently

Filing Form 1040 correctly requires organization, attention to detail, and an understanding of the various forms and schedules that apply to your situation. Whether you choose to file electronically or by mail, being prepared and informed makes the process easier and helps ensure compliance with federal tax regulations.

Conclusion

Filing a federal income tax return may seem like a daunting task, but understanding IRS Form 1040 and its supporting schedules helps make the process more manageable. Over this series, we’ve explored the structure of Form 1040, who must file it, how to accurately complete its various sections, and how unique financial situations can affect your filing obligations. From reporting basic income and claiming deductions to navigating complex credits and handling special forms like 1040-X or 1040-NR, every detail matters in ensuring a compliant and optimized tax return.

We also examined how life changes such as retirement, self-employment, foreign income, and dependent care responsibilities can affect the forms and schedules you need. Being aware of what to report, what to deduct, and which credits to claim can have a significant impact on your financial outcomes whether it means reducing your tax liability or increasing your refund.

The key to an accurate and efficient tax filing lies in preparation, attention to detail, and staying up to date with annual changes to tax laws and thresholds. Organizing documents ahead of time, knowing your eligibility for specific credits, and understanding how various types of income and expenses affect your tax situation are all critical components of a successful filing experience.

With clear information and the right approach, IRS Form 1040 doesn’t have to be intimidating. It serves as a vital financial record and a pathway toward responsible, informed tax compliance. Whether you are filing for the first time or have years of experience, building a strong foundation in how Form 1040 works empowers you to file with confidence and accuracy every tax season.