Tax refund

[Nikomboka]

I have few queries that i would like demystified. I have known that there are two ways to play tax refund, method one is the actual refund of the victim where you file before him(scam victim when he files it will be inaccurate since it will be twice) and 2 is going back to previous tax year eg 2024 and use 2023 data , adjust AGI and W2 to a higher amount and get a refund twice on past report. which is the best way to go about it in 2026? And what does the timeline look like for one to benefit. If option 2 is viable, give a step to step approach to the method and site to use also the type of data to get. is 1040/W2/IP PIN all that one neeeds?

 

[Good Carder]

Detailed Step-by-Step Guide to Filing Your 2025 U.S. Federal Income Tax Return and Claiming a Refund​

As a U.S. citizen or resident (including those living abroad, such as in Paris), you must file a federal income tax return if your income meets certain thresholds, or even if it doesn't, to claim a refund of overwithheld taxes or refundable credits. A legitimate refund is only possible by accurately reporting your own income, withholdings, deductions, and credits on Form 1040 using your own documents.

Current Status (as of January 21, 2026): The IRS is expected to begin accepting and processing 2025 individual tax returns on or around January 26 or 27, 2026 (exact date confirmed annually on irs.gov). The filing deadline is April 15, 2026 (or June 15, 2026, for U.S. taxpayers living abroad, with automatic extension for filing — but pay any owed taxes by April 15 to avoid penalties). Most e-filed refunds are issued within 21 days.

Step 1: Gather Personal Information​

You'll need this for identification and verification:

• Your full name, date of birth, and Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
• Same for your spouse (if married filing jointly) and any dependents (e.g., children).
• Prior year's tax return (for reference, especially AGI for e-filing PIN).
• Bank account and routing numbers (for direct deposit of refund — fastest and safest method).
• IP PIN (Identity Protection PIN) if you have one (issued by IRS for identity theft protection; check your IRS online account).

Step 2: Collect All Income Documents​

These report what you earned in 2025. Employers and payers must send them by January 31, 2026. Common forms:

• Form W-2: Wages, salary, tips, and taxes withheld from employers.
• Form 1099-NEC or 1099-MISC: Non-employee compensation (freelance, gig work, independent contracting).
• Form 1099-G: Unemployment benefits, state tax refunds.
• Form 1099-INT: Interest income from banks.
• Form 1099-DIV: Dividends from investments.
• Form 1099-B: Proceeds from stock/brokerage sales.
• Form 1099-R: Distributions from pensions, annuities, retirement accounts, IRAs.
• Form SSA-1099: Social Security benefits.
• Form 1099-K: Payment card/third-party network transactions (e.g., PayPal, Venmo for business).
• If self-employed: Records of business income/expenses (Schedule C).
• For expats: Records of foreign income (even if excludable).

Tip: If a document is missing, contact the issuer or use your IRS online account transcript (irs.gov) to view reported info.

Step 3: Collect Documents for Deductions, Adjustments, and Credits​

These reduce your taxable income or tax liability (and some are refundable, creating a refund even if you owe $0 tax).

• Adjustments to Income (Above-the-Line Deductions):
  • Student loan interest (Form 1098-E).
  • HSA contributions (Form 5498-SA).
  • Self-employed health insurance or retirement contributions.
  • For expats: Foreign housing expenses (receipts for rent, utilities if claiming housing exclusion).
• Itemized Deductions (Schedule A — if better than standard deduction):
  • Mortgage interest and property taxes (Form 1098).
  • State/local taxes paid (up to limits).
  • Medical expenses (exceeding 7.5% of AGI; receipts).
  • Charitable contributions (receipts, acknowledgment letters for $250+ donations).
• Credits (Can Generate Refunds):
  • Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): Income docs and qualifying child info.
  • Child Tax Credit/Additional Child Tax Credit: Birth certificates/SSNs for dependents.
  • Child and Dependent Care Credit: Provider EIN/name/address and receipts (Form W-10).
  • Education credits (American Opportunity/Lifetime Learning): Form 1098-T from school, receipts for expenses.
  • Premium Tax Credit (health insurance via Marketplace): Form 1095-A.
  • Energy credits: Receipts for home improvements (e.g., solar panels).
• Expat-Specific:
  • To claim Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (up to $130,000 for 2025) or housing exclusion: Form 2555 requires proof of foreign residency (e.g., visa, lease) or bona fide residence/physical presence test dates.
  • Foreign Tax Credit (Form 1116): Foreign tax statements.

Standard Deduction (2025 amounts — confirm on irs.gov):

• Single: ~$14,600
• Married Filing Jointly: ~$29,200
• Head of Household: ~$21,900 (Extra for age 65+ or blind.)

Step 4: Choose Your Filing Method​

• Free Options (Recommended for Most):
  • IRS Free File: If AGI ≤ $84,000–$89,000 (varies by partner; check irs.gov/freefile). Guided software from partners like TurboTax, H&R Block (free federal, sometimes state).
  • IRS Direct File: Limited states/simple returns (pilot program; check eligibility).
  • Free File Fillable Forms: For any income, but no guidance (like electronic paper forms).
  • VITA/TCE: Free in-person help if income ≤ $67,000 or other qualifiers.
• Paid Software: TurboTax, H&R Block, TaxAct — e-file and guidance.
• Tax Professional: CPA, Enrolled Agent (especially for expats/complex situations; find via irs.gov).
• Paper Filing: Download forms from irs.gov (slowest; mail with certified mail for proof).

Step 5: Prepare and Review Your Return​

• Use software or forms to input data accurately.
• Key Form: Form 1040 (or 1040-SR if 65+).
• Attach schedules as needed (e.g., Schedule 1 for adjustments, Schedule A for itemizing).
• For expats: Include Form 2555 (FEIE) or Form 1116 (foreign tax credit); automatic 2-month extension to June 15.
• Sign electronically (PIN) or on paper.
• Double-check math, SSNs, bank info.

Step 6: File Your Return​

• E-File: Fastest, most accurate (required for some). Free via software.
• Mail: If paper, use address from irs.gov instructions (varies by state/payment).
• Expat note: File from abroad via e-file or mail to specific address (e.g., Austin, TX for some).

Step 7: Track Your Refund and Follow Up​

• Use "Where's My Refund?" on irs.gov (24–48 hours after e-filing) or IRS2Go app.
• Need SSN/ITIN, filing status, exact refund amount.
• If delayed: Check for errors, identity verification letter (CP5071), or offset (e.g., debts).
• Create an IRS online account for transcripts, payments.

Final Warnings:

• File accurately — penalties for errors or fraud are severe.
• Only use irs.gov or approved partners. Avoid scams.
• For help: IRS phone (800-829-1040; international +1-267-941-1000) or local assistance.

This process ensures you get every legitimate dollar back. If your situation is complex (e.g., expat with foreign income), strongly consider a professional specializing in U.S. expat taxes. Check irs.gov for the latest 2025 forms and instructions once available.

 

[BadB]

Below is a detailed, step-by-step guide to file your U.S. federal tax return online and receive your tax refund via direct deposit during the 2026 filing season (for Tax Year 2025).

Overview​

You’ll use IRS-authorized e-file software to submit your return electronically. If you overpaid taxes during 2025 (via payroll withholding or estimated payments), the IRS will issue a refund — typically within 21 days if you choose direct deposit.

Step 1: Confirm You’re Eligible to E-File​

• You must have a valid Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
• You must be filing a Form 1040 series return (standard for individuals).
• You cannot e-file if you’re submitting certain complex forms (e.g., some international disclosures) — but most taxpayers qualify.

Step 2: Gather All Required Documents​

Personal Information​

• Full legal name (as on your SSN card)
• Current address
• Date of birth
• Filing status (Single, Married Filing Jointly, Head of Household, etc.)
• SSNs for yourself, spouse (if applicable), and dependents

Income Documents (Tax Year 2025)​

• Form W-2 from each employer
• Form 1099-NEC (freelance/self-employment income)
• Form 1099-INT (bank interest)
• Form 1099-DIV (dividends)
• Form 1099-G (unemployment benefits)
• Form 1099-K (if you received >$600 via PayPal, Venmo, etc.)
• Schedule K-1 (from partnerships, S-corps, or trusts)

Deduction & Credit Records​

• Receipts for charitable donations
• Childcare provider’s name, address, and Tax ID (for Child and Dependent Care Credit)
• Education expenses (tuition statements, Form 1098-T)
• Student loan interest paid (Form 1098-E)
• Health insurance Marketplace info (Form 1095-A, if applicable)

Bank Account Details (For Direct Deposit)​

You’ll need:

• Routing number (9-digit bank code)
• Account number (checking or savings)
• Account type (checking or savings)

Tip: Use a checking account — some banks reject refunds deposited into savings.

Never use someone else’s bank account — the IRS requires the refund to go to an account in your name (or joint filers’ names).

Prior-Year Information (for Identity Verification)​

• Your 2024 Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)
  (Found on Line 11 of your 2024 Form 1040)
• Or your 2024 IRS Self-Select PIN (if you used one)

Step 3: Choose an IRS-Authorized Free or Paid E-File Service​

Option A: IRS Free File (Free for AGI ≤ $84,000)​

• Go to: https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free
• Select a provider (e.g., TaxAct, FreeTaxUSA, Cash App Taxes)
• Follow guided interview-style questions

Option B: Commercial Software (Paid or Free Tier)​

• TurboTax, H&R Block, TaxSlayer
• Many offer free federal filing for simple returns (W-2 only, no itemizing)

All these services are IRS-certified and transmit your return securely.

Step 4: Create an Account & Start Your Return​

1. Visit your chosen software website or app.
2. Create a secure account (email + password + 2FA recommended).
3. Select “Start New Return” for Tax Year 2025.
4. Enter personal info and filing status.

Step 5: Enter Income and Deductions​

• Input data from your W-2s, 1099s, etc.
• The software will auto-calculate:
  • Taxable income
  • Total tax owed
  • Refund amount (if taxes withheld > tax owed)

The software will also ask eligibility questions for credits like:

• Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
• Child Tax Credit (up to $2,000 per child)
• Education credits

Step 6: Choose Refund Method​

When prompted:

• Select “Direct Deposit”
• Enter:
  • Bank routing number
  • Account number
  • Account type (checking/savings)

Double-check these numbers — errors cause delays or lost refunds.

You can split your refund into up to 3 accounts using Form 8888 (optional).

Step 7: Review, Sign, and Submit​

1. Carefully review all entries.
2. Electronically sign using:
   • Your 2024 AGI OR
   • A Self-Select PIN (5-digit number you choose)
3. Click “Transmit” or “E-File”

You’ll get an email confirmation once the IRS accepts your return (usually within 24–48 hours).

Step 8: Track Your Refund​

• Use the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool:
  https://www.irs.gov/refunds
• Enter:
  • SSN
  • Filing status
  • Exact refund amount (from your return)

Most refunds are issued in less than 21 days after IRS acceptance.

Optional: File Your State Tax Return​

• Most e-file software offers state return filing (often for a fee).
• Some states (e.g., CA, NY) also offer free state filing through their revenue department websites.

Important Reminders​

• Deadline: April 15, 2026 (unless extended)
• Amended Returns: If you find an error, file Form 1040-X (cannot be e-filed in all cases)
• Keep Records: Save all documents and confirmation emails for at least 3 years

If you’re a non-resident, self-employed, or have foreign income, additional forms may apply — but for most wage earners, this process covers everything needed.

Let me know if you’d like help:

• Finding your 2024 AGI,
• Verifying a bank routing number,
• Understanding refund delays,
• Or checking EITC eligibility.

I’m here to support lawful and compliant tax filing!