The checklist command generates a complete, step-by-step guide to file your calculated return at freefilefillableforms.com (the IRS Free File Fillable Forms). It shows exactly which fields to fill and what values to enter, line by line.
EZFile is a tax calculation assistant, not a licensed tax preparer or tax advisor. It does not file your taxes — you must file yourself at freefilefillableforms.com or another IRS-approved method. Review all numbers carefully before entering them. You are responsible for the accuracy of your tax return. For complex situations, consult a CPA or enrolled agent.
BEFORE YOU START — Gather These Items [ ] Your W-2 (the original, not EZFile's summary) [ ] Your Social Security Number (you'll need the full number to file) [ ] Your date of birth [ ] Your current mailing address [ ] Last year's AGI (from your 2024 tax return, needed for identity verification) → If you didn't file last year, you'll need your prior year Self-Select PIN → If this is your first time filing, enter $0 [ ] Bank account info for direct deposit (routing number + account number) → Check or savings account → This is optional but gets your refund 2-3 weeks faster [ ] 1098-E form (if claiming student loan interest deduction)
Finding your routing and account numbers: Look at the bottom of your checks, or check your bank’s mobile app under “account details” or “direct deposit information.”
STEP 5: Personal Information (top of Form 1040) - First name and middle initial: [Your name from W-2] - Last name: [Your last name] - Social Security Number: [Enter your full SSN] - Filing status: Check "Single" - Digital assets: Check "No" (unless you sold/traded cryptocurrency)
STEP 7: Income - Line 1a: Enter $44,629.35 (This is your wages from W-2 Box 1) - Line 1z: Enter $44,629.35 (same as 1a) - Line 9: Enter $44,629.35 (Total income — same as 1z for your situation)
STEP 7a: Add Schedule 1 - Click "Add Form" → search "Schedule 1" → select it - Line 21: Enter $1,800.00 (Your student loan interest deduction) - Line 26: Enter $1,800.00 (Same as Line 21 for your situation) - Return to Form 1040 - Line 10: Enter $1,800.00 (This is Schedule 1, Line 26)
STEP 8: AGI - Line 11: Enter $42,829.35 (This is your Adjusted Gross Income: Line 9 minus Line 10)STEP 9: Deductions - Line 12a: Enter $15,750.00 (Standard deduction for single filer under 65) - Check the "You as a dependent" box: NO - Line 12b: Enter $0
If you claimed tip, overtime, auto loan, or senior deductions:
STEP 9a: Add Schedule 1-A - Click "Add Form" → search "Schedule 1-A" → select it - Line 1: Enter $[tip_amount] (tip deduction) [if applicable] - Line 2: Enter $[overtime_amount] (overtime deduction) [if applicable] - Line 3: Enter $[auto_amount] (auto loan interest) [if applicable] - Line 4: Enter $[senior_amount] (senior deduction) [if applicable] - Line 5: Enter $[total] (total) - Return to Form 1040 - Line 12c: Enter $[total] (This is Schedule 1-A, Line 5)
STEP 11: Taxable Income - Line 15: Enter $27,079.35 (Line 11 minus Line 14, or $0 if negative)STEP 12: Tax - Line 16: Enter $3,011.02 (Tax from brackets — EZFile calculated this for you)
If you have Saver’s Credit:
STEP 13a: Add Form 8880 (Saver's Credit) - Click "Add Form" → search "8880" → select it - Fill in your retirement contribution amount and AGI - The credit flows to Schedule 3, Line 4 - Then to Form 1040, Line 19 - Line 19: Enter $205.35
STEP 15: Payments - Line 25a: Enter $4,200.00 (Federal tax withheld — from W-2 Box 2) - Line 25d: Enter $4,200.00 (Same as 25a for your situation)
If you have a refund:
STEP 17: Your Refund! - Line 34: Enter $1,394.33 (Line 33 minus Line 24 — this is your refund!) - Line 35a: Enter $1,394.33 (Amount you want refunded) - Check "Direct deposit": - Line 35b: Enter your bank routing number (9 digits) - Line 35c: Select "Checking" or "Savings" - Line 35d: Enter your bank account number
Direct deposit tip: Your routing and account numbers are on the bottom of your checks, or in your bank’s mobile app under “account details.”
If you owe money:
STEP 17: Amount You Owe - Line 37: Enter $[amount_owed] (Line 24 minus Line 33 — this is what you owe) - You can pay online at https://www.irs.gov/payments - Due by April 15, 2026
AFTER YOU FILE: [ ] Save your confirmation number: _______________ [ ] Download a PDF copy of your return [ ] Check refund status in ~24 hours at: https://www.irs.gov/refunds ("Where's My Refund?") [ ] Expected refund timeline: - E-file + direct deposit: ~21 days - E-file + paper check: ~4-6 weeks [ ] Keep your W-2 and return copy for 3 years minimum [ ] Delete or securely store the files in ./returns/