5.2 File a Tax Return

 Tax Return  Form W-2  Form 1099-INT  Form 1040EZ  Dependent  Deduction  Social Security Number  Taxable income

 A tax return is a set of forms that taxpayers use to calculate their tax obligation. (how much income taxes they owe.) Is everyone required to file a tax return?  No, only if you have income above the minimum amount set each year by the government.

 Salary or wages  Tips  Investments/Capital Gains  Interest  Jobs paid in cash  Lottery winnings Your Aunt Sue gave you $200 for your birthday, is this taxable income?  No, you are not required to pay taxes on gifts unless they exceed the amount allowed by the government.

You must calculate and file your tax return by April 15 th for the previous year. For Example: For the work year January 1, December 31, 2010 W-2 Form provided by employers by January 31, 2011 Form 1099-INT provided by banks by January 31, 2011 Tax returns due to IRS by April 15, 2011

For most young people these two forms are enough to complete your income tax returns. 1. Form W-2: a summary of your earnings and withholdings for the year. CComes from your employer MMust be provided by employers by January 31 WWhen you file a tax return you must enclose a copy of your W-2 form. (the IRS also receives one from your employer) 2. Form 1099-INT: a statement of the interest your bank paid on your savings for the year.

 All individual tax payers must use one of the following three basic forms for filing a federal income tax return: A EZ  Most young people qualify to use the simplest form which is the F0rm 1040EZ.  When you are older and your financial life is likely to be more complicated- you will use a 1040 or 1040A. These forms allow you to itemize deductions to reduce the amount of tax you owe.  Deductions are expenses you can legally subtract from your income before calculating your taxes.

1.Label (Identify yourself) 1. Name & Address 2. Social Security Number – a unique number assigned to you by the federal government. Memorize this number, you will have to write it on many official documents. 2.Income 1. Works you through to your taxable income-the income figure that is used to determine your taxes. 3.Payment and Tax 1. Federal withholdings + (EIC) = Total Payment 2. Tax- use table to calculate your total tax for the year

4. Refund or Amount you Owe Calculated 1. Refunds can be deposited electronically 5. Sign Here 1. Signature, Date & Occupation (your signature declares the information is true) 6. Check for Accuracy and File your Return 1. Always check your tax forms 2. Pay amount owed by check or credit card (fee for credit card) 3. Send tax form along with W-2 & check 4. Keep copy for your records 5. Send by April 15th

 Do people who work for themselves pay income tax?  If so, how?  Yes, they must file at Self employed individuals pay estimated taxes in quarterly installments based upon the income they receive each quarter.  Self-employed individuals are required to complete and attach a Schedule C or C-EZ to their 1040 form.  Most important thing to remember about the self- employed- they pay the same taxes that employees pay and they must “withhold” their own taxes and make the payments themselves.

 You may file your tax return online.  Biggest advantage- you get your refund faster. FAST SLOW On-line returns take 3-4 weeks to process Snail mail returns can take 6 weeks or more.

 For additional understanding you can complete the four parts of the review: Tax Tutorial, Fact Sheet, Simulation & Assessment for payroll taxes & federal income tax withholding:  tudent/hows_mod01.jsp tudent/hows_mod01.jsp  After you complete the last step the Assessment, print out your score and hand it in to me for extra credit.