How to Fill Out Taxes (and 5 Write-Offs You Didn’t Know You Could Take)

The Money Class You Never Got in School

How to Fill Out Taxes (and 5 Write-Offs You Didn’t Know You Could Take)

If the word “taxes” makes your brain shut down—you’re not alone. But filing your taxes doesn’t have to be scary. Whether you're working a part-time job, freelancing, or just trying to avoid the IRS knocking on your inbox, here’s your no-fluff guide to getting it done (plus 5 write-offs that could save you real cash).

Step 1: Know What Form You’re Working With

If you’re an employee and got a W-2 from your job, you’ll file using a 1040 form. If you freelance, drive for Uber, or run a side hustle, you probably also got a 1099-NEC or 1099-K. If you got interest from your savings account, you may see a 1099-INT.

Step 2: Choose How You’re Filing

For most people under 30, one of these options works:

• TurboTax – user-friendly but upsells hard
• Cash App Taxes – actually free (not fake free)
• FreetaxUSA – great for freelancers & side hustlers
• IRS Free File – the government’s basic option

You’ll answer a bunch of guided questions and it’ll auto-fill your 1040. If your taxes are simple (just a W-2), you can usually file in under 30 minutes.

Step 3: Double Check Your Info

Verify your:

• Name, Social Security Number, and address
• Bank account info (for refunds)
• Income totals from each job or platform

If anything is off, your return might get delayed—or rejected. Don’t guess numbers. Use your actual forms.

Step 4: Submit + Save a Copy

Once everything looks good, hit submit. The IRS will usually confirm within 24–72 hours. Refunds take 7–21 days if direct deposit is set up.

Save a PDF copy of your return in Google Drive or a secure folder. You’ll need it next year—and if you ever apply for an apartment, financial aid, or mortgage.

If you’re side hustling and make more than $400, you’re technically self-employed—and the IRS expects you to file.

5 Write-Offs You Might Be Missing

If you freelance, drive, resell, or have your own business—even part-time—these write-offs can lower what you owe:

1. Your Phone Bill (Partially)

If you use your phone for business (email, calls, social posts), you can write off a % of your monthly bill based on how much it’s used for work.

2. Your Home Office

If you have a dedicated workspace (even a desk in your room), you may qualify for a home office deduction. It’s based on square footage used solely for work.

3. Car Mileage or Expenses

Drive for work (DoorDash, Instacart, real estate, etc.)? Track your miles with an app like Stride or MileIQ. The IRS rate is around 65 cents per mile.

4. Internet Costs

If you work online (content creator, editor, virtual assistant), a portion of your internet bill is deductible.

5. Education That Relates to Your Work

Courses, certifications, or even that Skillshare subscription—if it’s related to your current business or income stream, it may qualify.

Always keep receipts, invoices, or screenshots for anything you write off. The IRS doesn’t play when it comes to proof.

Bonus ChatGPT Prompt

“Help me list out tax deductions I might qualify for as a 24-year-old freelance designer who works from home and earns around $35,000 a year.”

ChatGPT can act like your personal tax buddy—just don’t let it file for you.

Final Thought

Taxes aren’t fun, but they don’t have to be scary. Know your forms, use the right tools, take the write-offs you’ve earned, and file early. You don’t need an accountant if your situation’s simple—just a little prep and a smart checklist.

You’re in MoneyMode now. File it, write it off, and keep your money working for you.