How to Use a Tax Filing Service to File Your Taxes

Using a tax filing service means letting trained people or software handle the details of preparing and submitting your tax return to the government, usually the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) at the federal level and your state tax agency at the state level. You stay responsible for the information, but they handle the forms, calculations, and electronic filing.

For most people, the real-world choice is between three main options: free community tax help, online tax software, or paid professional preparers. The right choice for you depends on your income, how complex your taxes are, and whether you want in‑person support.

Where to Go to File Using an Official or Trusted Service

The main official system that oversees tax filing is the IRS at the federal level, plus your state department of revenue or taxation. These agencies do not usually prepare your taxes for you, but they approve and regulate many of the services you can safely use.

Key terms to know:

• E-file — Sending your tax return to the IRS and/or state electronically instead of by mail.
• Refund — Money the government sends back if you paid more tax than you owe.
• Tax preparer — A person or company that fills out and files your tax return on your behalf.
• VITA/TCE — IRS-sponsored free tax prep programs: Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly.

Common official or trusted places to start:

• IRS Free File and VITA/TCE programs — For people under certain income limits, seniors, or those who qualify for specific assistance. Search for “IRS free tax preparation” and use only sites ending in .gov to avoid scams.
• Your state’s department of revenue or taxation portal — Many states list free or low-cost filing options and direct links to approved software. Search for your state’s official tax agency portal and confirm it is a .gov site.
• Enrolled agents, CPAs, and tax attorneys — Licensed professionals who prepare returns and may represent you if the IRS has questions. These are not government employees, but they operate under specific professional rules and oversight.

First concrete action you can take today:
Search for an IRS-sponsored “VITA tax help site near me” and call one location to ask about appointment availability, required documents, and whether you qualify for free preparation.

If you prefer not to use in‑person help, your next step instead can be to choose an IRS-partnered online tax software through the IRS Free File program if your income qualifies, or by comparing paid software options if it does not.

What to Bring: Documents Tax Filing Services Usually Require

Tax filing services can only prepare an accurate return if you bring detailed proof of your income, identity, and certain expenses. If your situation is more complex—self-employment, rental property, investments—you may need more paperwork than a simple wage earner.

Documents you’ll typically need:

• Income forms, such as W‑2 from employers, 1099‑NEC or 1099‑K for self-employment, and 1099‑INT/1099‑DIV for interest and dividends.
• Identification and Social Security documents, including photo ID for you (and spouse if filing jointly) and Social Security cards or ITIN letters for everyone on the return.
• Deduction and credit records, such as childcare statements, 1098‑T for tuition, mortgage interest statement (1098), or proof of charitable donations.

If you received unemployment benefits, you typically need a 1099‑G from your state unemployment office. If you have Marketplace health insurance, you usually must bring Form 1095‑A, which is often the single most delayed document people wait for.

Before your appointment or online session, it often helps to gather:

• Last year’s tax return, if available.
• Bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit of your refund.
• Any letters from the IRS or state tax agency, especially about prior-year returns or identity verification.

Rules and document lists can vary by state or by the specific tax program, so confirm with the service you choose what they expect you to bring.

Step-by-Step: How to Use a Tax Filing Service

1. Decide which type of tax filing service fits your situation

If your income is within low- to moderate-income limits or you are a senior, free IRS‑sponsored programs like VITA/TCE are typically the best starting point. If your taxes involve self-employment, rental properties, or complex investments, you might instead choose paid software or a professional preparer who has experience with those issues.

2. Locate an official or reputable provider

1. For free in‑person help (VITA/TCE):

   • Search for IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance sites in your area, using only .gov sites.
   • Call the number listed to confirm hours, eligibility, and whether you need an appointment.

2. For online software (free or paid):

   • Start on the IRS website to see IRS Free File partners if you meet income limits.
   • If you earn above the free limits, review a few major tax software options and confirm they support your state return if you need one.

3. For professional preparers (paid in person):

   • Look up enrolled agents, CPAs, or tax attorneys in your area and check for active licenses or credentials.
   • Ask upfront about fees, whether they e‑file, and how they will communicate if the IRS later has questions.

Quick phone script you can use:
“Hi, I’m calling to ask about your tax filing services. I need help filing my federal and state tax return. Can you tell me what documents I should bring and whether there is any cost for your services?”

3. Gather your documents and organize them

Collect all the income forms, ID documents, and deduction/credit records listed earlier. Put them in a folder or envelope, sorted by type (income, expenses, letters from IRS/state, prior return). If anything is missing—such as a lost W‑2 or 1099—contact the employer, payer, or agency before your appointment and ask them to reissue the form.

If you are using online software, plan to set aside at least 1–2 uninterrupted hours and have your paperwork next to you. Many services allow you to save and return later, but the process goes smoother if you have everything upfront.

4. Complete the preparation with the service

At a VITA/TCE site or with a professional preparer, you will typically:

1. Check in and present your photo ID and Social Security/ITIN documents.
2. Answer intake questions about your income, living situation, and dependents.
3. Hand over your documents so the preparer can enter your information into tax software.
4. Review the completed return, ask questions, and sign authorization forms for e‑filing.

Using online software, you will:

1. Create an account and answer a series of guided questions.
2. Enter information from each form into the software, usually line by line.
3. Upload or type in bank details for direct deposit.
4. Review the summary of your return and authorize the software to e‑file your federal and, if applicable, state return.

What to expect next:
After e‑filing, you should typically receive an electronic confirmation from the IRS and your state that your return was accepted, or a message that it was rejected and what needs correcting. The time this takes can vary, but often you see some status within a few days during tax season.

5. Track your return and respond to any follow-up

Once filed, your main tasks are to:

• Check refund status using the IRS’s “Where’s My Refund” tool and your state’s refund tracker (accessed through official .gov portals).
• Watch for any letters from the IRS or state tax agency requesting additional information or clarifying parts of your return.

If the IRS or your state sends a notice, contact the preparer or software support you used and ask what your options are. Some services include limited follow‑up support if there are questions later, but this varies by provider and may not include full representation.

Real-world Friction to Watch For

Real-world friction to watch for
One of the most common delays happens when a tax return is e‑filed but then held up by an identity verification flag at the IRS or state tax agency. In that case, you may receive a letter asking you to verify your identity online or by visiting a specified office; follow the letter’s instructions exactly and contact the tax service you used to ask how they recommend you proceed and whether your return needs any changes.

How to Avoid Scams and Get Legitimate Help

Because tax filing involves money, personal data, and your identity, fraud is common around this topic. Scammers often pretend to be from the IRS or a tax service to steal information or charge fake fees.

To protect yourself:

• Only use websites ending in .gov when accessing IRS or state tax agency tools or lists of free programs.
• Be cautious of anyone who guarantees a large refund or bases their fee on a percentage of your refund; reputable preparers typically charge a flat or clearly explained fee.
• Do not share your Social Security number or full identity information over email or text with someone who contacted you first; independently look up official phone numbers and call back.
• The IRS and state tax agencies generally do not demand payment by gift card, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer; those are red flags for scams.

If you cannot reach a VITA/TCE site or afford a paid preparer, you may be able to get support from:

• Legal aid organizations or low-income taxpayer clinics (LITCs) that assist with IRS issues and complex problems for eligible individuals.
• Community-based nonprofits (such as local community centers or libraries) that partner with IRS programs and may host free tax events.

Your next concrete step, once you have your documents gathered, is to contact an official IRS‑sponsored free tax site or select a reputable software provider through an official government listing, then schedule a time to complete your return before the tax filing deadline typically in mid‑April. Once that is done and your return is e‑filed, all later communication about status, refunds, or questions will usually come directly from the IRS or your state tax agency, not through the tax filing service.