Tax time has a way of sneaking up on us, and when it arrives, it can bring a lot of stress with it. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, confused, or even intimidated by filing taxes, you are absolutely not alone. This is especially true if you’re juggling multiple jobs, doing gig work, running a small side business, or trying to stretch a limited income to cover numerous needs.
The good news? You don’t need to be a tax expert to get through tax time successfully. You do need a plan and a willingness to take things one step at a time. Breaking the process into “before,” “during,” and “after” can help you save money, avoid common mistakes, and reduce stress along the way.
Before You File: Get Ready Without the Overwhelm
Gather What You Already Have
Before you start filling out forms or logging into tax software, take a few minutes to collect documents you likely already have. You don’t need everything perfectly organized; just getting items into one place is a great first step. Start with:
- Last year’s tax return (helpful for reference, but not required)
- Income forms, such as:
- W-2s from employers
- 1099-NEC or 1099-K forms for gig work, freelancing, or side hustles
- Unemployment income forms, if applicable
- Bank account and routing numbers, if you want direct deposit for a refund
If you’re missing a form, don’t panic. Many tax tools and free services can help you figure out the next steps, and you can often access copies through employers or online accounts.
If You’re a Gig Worker or Micro-Entrepreneur
If you earned money through rideshare driving, delivery apps, freelancing, selling online, or other self-employed work, your taxes may look a little different—but they’re still manageable. Take time to gather:
- Payment records from apps or platforms
- Any income you received, even if you didn’t get a tax form
You’ll also want to collect expense records that may lower your tax bill, such as:
- Mileage or transportation costs
- Phone or internet expenses used for work
- Supplies, equipment, or tools
- Platform or service fees
Key Reminder: Income counts even if taxes weren’t taken out. Reporting everything upfront helps avoid surprises later and can actually unlock deductions or credits you might otherwise miss.
Check if You Qualify for Free Help
Many people pay for tax prep without realizing they qualify for free, high-quality assistance. If your income is below a certain level, you may be eligible for:
- IRS Free File, which offers free online filing tools
- Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) or Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs
These services can help ensure your return is accurate and that you don’t miss credits you’ve earned. They’re especially helpful if you have multiple income sources or are filing taxes for the first time.
During Filing: Take it One Step at a Time
Choose the Right Filing Option for You
There’s no single “right” way to file taxes, it depends on your situation and comfort level. Options include:
- Free online filing tools, which work well for simpler returns
- In-person or virtual free tax preparation is helpful if you have gig income or dependents
- Paid preparers, which may be useful for more complex situations
If you choose a paid option, ask about fees upfront. Clear expectations can prevent stress later.
Don’t Miss Credits That Can Boost Your Refund
Tax credits can make a big difference, especially for low- to moderate-income filers. These credits directly reduce the amount of tax you oweand some can increase your refund. Common credits include:
- Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
- Child Tax Credit
- Credit for Other Dependents
If you’re a gig worker or self-employed, you may still qualify for these credits. Self-employment income doesn’t automatically disqualify you, so it’s worth checking carefully.
For Gig Workers & Small Business Owners
If you earn income outside of a traditional job, there are a few extra things to keep in mind:
- You may owe self-employment taxes, which cover Social Security and Medicare.
If you find out you owe money and can’t pay it all right away, remember:
- Payment plans exist
- You can still file on time even if you can’t pay everything immediately.
Filing is always better than avoiding the process.
After You File: What Comes Next
Track Your Refund or Payment
Once you’ve filed, you’re not quite done, but the finish line is close. If you’re getting a refund:
- Use direct deposit for faster access.
- Make a simple plan for how you’ll use it.
If you owe:
- Confirm payment deadlines
- Set up a payment plan if needed.
Staying informed can prevent unnecessary fees or delays.
Use Tax Time as a Fresh Start
For many people, a tax refund is one of the largest lump sums they receive all year. If you’re able, consider using part of it to:
- Catch up on bills
- Start or grow an emergency fund.
- Set aside money for future taxes (this is especially important for gig workers)
There’s no “perfect” use for a refund, what matters is choosing what best supports your current needs.
Make Next Year Easier (Even a Little)
You don’t have to overhaul your entire system to improve next year’s tax experience. Small steps add up. Helpful habits include:
- Keeping tax documents in one place
- Tracking income and expenses monthly
- Setting aside a small percentage of gig income for taxes
Even one small change can reduce stress next time around.
You’re Doing More Than You Think
Filing taxes takes effortespecially when time, energy, and resources are limited. If you’ve made it this far, you’ve already done something important for yourself and your household.
Remember: you don’t need to be perfect, you don’t need to know everything, and you don’t need to do it all at once. Showing up, asking questions, and taking it step by step is enough.
