First-time tax filer in Texas - need help with the process!!!

Thank you so much for this info! That's a relief I don't have to go in person. One more question - since I've never filed before, do I need to create some kind of account with the IRS first? Or do I just start with the tax software and it handles everything? Also, is there any specific documentation I should keep besides my W-2? I worked one job all last year if that helps.

You don't need to create an IRS account before filing - the tax software will walk you through everything and create your filing. However, creating an IRS online account at irs.gov is actually a good idea anyway as it lets you access tax records, make payments, and view notices. For documentation, definitely keep your W-2, any bank statements showing interest earned, receipts for deductible expenses (like charitable donations if you plan to itemize), and a copy of your completed tax return. Since it's your first time filing, your return will likely be very straightforward if you just had one job, but it's still good practice to keep everything for at least 3 years.

Does it help with identity verification issues? I've been hearing horror stories about first-time filers getting rejected because they can't verify identity electronically.

Is it actually free though? Most of these "free" tax services end up charging for state filing or if you have anything slightly complicated.

It actually does help with identity verification! It walks you through exactly what information you need to provide to successfully verify your identity with the IRS. They have specific guidelines for first-time filers to make sure your return doesn't get flagged or rejected. As for the cost question, I don't want to get into specific pricing here, but I will say it was definitely less expensive than the mainstream tax services for what I needed. They have different options depending on how complicated your tax situation is, and for a first-time filer with just W-2 income, it's very reasonable.

Wait, how does that even work? Doesn't everyone have to wait on hold? I'm confused how a service could get you through faster than just calling yourself.

Sounds like a scam tbh. No way they have special access to the IRS that regular people don't have. They probably just charge you to wait on hold which you could do yourself for free.

It works by using automated technology to navigate the IRS phone tree and wait on hold for you. You don't have to stay on the phone during that time - their system waits in the queue and then calls you when an actual human IRS agent picks up. So you're getting the exact same wait time, but you're not personally sitting there listening to hold music for hours. Definitely not a scam - they don't have "special access" to the IRS. Think of it more like a robot assistant that waits on hold so you don't have to. I was super skeptical too, but when I needed to talk to someone about a missing refund last year, it saved me from wasting an entire afternoon on hold.

Omg I didn't even think of that - my parents have always claimed me as a dependent but I moved out last May and have been supporting myself since then. How do I know if they can still claim me or not for 2024 taxes?

There are specific tests the IRS uses to determine if someone can be claimed as a dependent. The main ones are the support test (did you provide more than half of your own financial support for the year?) and the residency test (did you live with your parents for more than half the year?). Since you moved out in May, you lived with them for less than half of 2024, but the support test is the bigger factor. You need to calculate all your living expenses (rent, food, utilities, medical, education, etc.) for the entire year and determine if you provided more than 50% of that total yourself. If you did, your parents can't claim you. If they provided more than 50% (including while you lived with them), they can still claim you even though you moved out.

This is correct but keep in mind you might still need to file a state return if you earned any money in another state during the year (like if you had a summer job somewhere else). The tax software will ask you questions to determine this.