Tax Information for Different Tax Filing Stages

The tax information you need all in one place.

We’ve put together a master list of helpful articles for your tax situation, whether you’re preparing to file, in the process of filing, or waiting for your refund. If you’re self-employed, we have a section for that too.

Let’s dive right in.

Individual filers

Stage 1: Preparing to file

• Organize Your Way to Tax Day: 5 Steps for Success: Get ahead of that pre-filing stress and set yourself up for success this tax season with these tips for getting organized.
• Tax Preparation Checklist: Not sure what information and tax documents you’ll need to have handy when filing? This checklist will help ensure you have everything you’ll need to complete your income tax return.
• Top 6 Tax Changes You Should Know About for 2022: What’s changed from last year? Here are the top six changes you should be aware of, including changes to the Child Tax Credit, Earned Income Tax Credit, and more.
• Top 7 Reasons to Switch to TaxAct: Why file with TaxAct^® this year? Here are seven reasons that set us apart from the rest.

Stage 2: Filing in progress

• Tax Filing 101: 7 Things That Can Impact Your Tax Refund: Need to brush up on some tax basics? We got you. Here are some important things to remember when filing and how each could impact your tax refund.
• How to Pick Your Filing Status: Which filing status should you choose? In some cases, you may have more than one option. Here’s how to pick the filing status that’s best for your unique tax situation.
• Itemized Deductions vs. Above-the-Line Deductions: Not all tax deductions are created equal. Learn more about itemized deductions vs. above-the-line deductions and which ones you might be able to claim on your tax return this year.
• Income tax calculator: Just answer a few simple questions about your life, income, and expenses. Based on your answers, we’ll help you estimate your tax refund for this year.
• Tips for Filing Multiple State Tax Returns: Did you start working from home during the pandemic? See if this will affect how you file your state tax return and pick up some tips for filing multiple state returns.
• How to Set Up an IRS Payment Plan Through TaxAct: If you find yourself owing an unexpected tax bill this year, don’t panic. We can help you set up a payment plan with the IRS that fits within your budget.
• The Ultimate Guide to Filing a Personal Tax Extension in 2022: Need more time to file your taxes? No problem. Learn more about the pros and cons of tax extensions and how they work.

Stage 3: Finished filing

• What to Expect When You’re Expecting a Refund: Congrats on filing your taxes! If you’re owed a tax refund this year, here’s what you need to know.
• How to Check Your Tax Refund Status: Wondering where your refund is at? Here are some ways to track your refund status and how to know when it might hit your bank account.
• What Your Tax Return Can Teach You for Next Year: Taxes can feel complicated sometimes, and we’re not always fully prepared. Here’s how you can take this year’s return and use it to help you better prepare for filing next year.
• 8 Changes You Can Make Now to Prepare for Next Tax Season: Let’s make some changes this year. Whether it’s tweaking your Form W-4 to get a bigger refund or turning your hobby into a side hustle, here are eight tips that could positively impact your taxes next season.
• 6 Smart Ways to Invest Your Tax Refund This Year: You got a big tax refund this year, and now you’re wondering what to do with it. What’s the best option for you in today’s economic climate? Here are six smart options to consider.

Stage 4: Finance basics

• Refund Booster² and W-4 calculator: Would you prefer a big refund at tax time or a smaller refund and more money in your pocket throughout the year? This calculator can help you with either — just answer some questions, and we’ll tell you how to fill out Form W-4 to get your desired results.
• How Retirement Contributions Impact Your Tax Bill: Contributing to a retirement account throughout the year can save you money on your taxes. Learn more about how this process works.
• Is It Crazy to Buy Gold Coins For Investments?: Looking to expand your investment portfolio? Surprisingly, gold coins could be an excellent option to consider depending on your situation.
• Family Loans: Does the IRS Care If I Lend My Kids Money?: Will loaning money to your kids impact your tax bill? It depends. Here’s what you need to know before you take the leap.

Self-employed and small business filers

Stage 1: Preparing to file

• Don’t Be Afraid to File Your Own Taxes If You’re Self-Employed: Filing your taxes as a self-employed sole proprietor may seem daunting, but we think you can crush it this year. Here are some reasons to consider DIY tax filing and some tips to get you started.
• What You Need to Know About Small Business Taxes: Being your own boss comes with some tax advantages. Learn more about what kind of taxes you might owe and what tax benefits are available to you as a freelancer or small business owner.
• How to Calculate the Self-Employment Tax: If you’re newly self-employed, you probably have many questions about self-employment taxes. What are they, and how do you know how much to pay? We answer these questions and more.
• 7 Commonly Asked Small Business Tax Questions: From business tax deductions to travel expenses, here are our answers to some of the most asked small business questions.
• 5 Big Tax Mistakes Small Business Owners Make: Mistakes are a part of learning, but we’ve addressed some common missteps self-employed small business owners make so you can get ahead of them before they happen.

Stage 2: Filing in progress

• Key Tax Deadlines for Small Business Owners: Mark these dates on your calendar this season. Here are some important due dates and deadlines you should be aware of as a small business owner.
• 16 Small Business Tax Deductions: Don’t leave money on the table this tax season — learn more about these valuable tax deductions for business owners and how to claim them when filing your tax return.
• How to File Taxes for a New Side Gig: Did you start a side hustle in 2022? Here are some filing tips and essential tax information you need to know.
• Mileage reimbursement calculator: If you travel for business, you may qualify for mileage reimbursement. Tell us how many miles you drove in the current tax year, and we’ll estimate your total mileage deduction based on the current standard mileage deduction rates.
• Your Guide to Filing a Business Tax Extension in 2023: Don’t start scrambling to file your business taxes when the tax deadline is looming. You can get an extra six months to file by requesting a business tax extension.

Stage 3: Finished filing

• What to Expect When You’re Expecting a Refund: Congrats on filing your taxes! If you’re owed a tax refund this year, here’s what you need to know.
• How to Check Your Tax Refund Status: Wondering where your refund is at? Here are some ways to track your refund status and how to know when it might hit your bank account.
• What Your Tax Return Can Teach You for Next Year: Taxes can feel complicated sometimes, and we’re not always fully prepared. Here’s how you can take this year’s return and use it to help you better prepare for filing next year.

Stage 4: Business finance basics

• How to Pay Yourself as a Business Owner: Determining how to pay yourself as a small business owner is essential to long-term success. But where should you start? Here are your options, as well as some tips on how much to pay yourself.
• Why You Should Be Separating Your Personal & Business Finances: Don’t mix business with pleasure. Here are some reasons you should separate your business finances and tips on how to do so.
• How to Save for Retirement When You’re Self-Employed: You may not have the advantage of a 401(k) through an employer, but there are still many ways to build a retirement nest egg while you’re self-employed. Here are some options.
• LLCs vs. Corporations: Which Is Best for Your Small Business?: What are the differences between LLCs and corporations, and which should you choose for your business? It all depends on your situation. Here’s what you need to know.
• How to Build Credit for Your Business: Good business credit can be a boon for your business. Learn how to build your business credit, check your business credit score, and more.

All TaxAct offers, products and services are subject to applicable terms and conditions.

¹Free TaxAct Online Free Edition makes free federal filing available for basic returns only. Not everyone has a basic return. Find out if you have a basic return and more about what this year’s Free Edition includes.  For all other online products, you can start free and pay only when you file. This means you will not be charged if you decide to stop using any product prior to printing or e-filing.

²Refund Booster may not work for everyone or in all circumstances and by itself doesn’t constitute legal or tax advice. Your personal tax situation may vary.