2020 Taxes in 2021, Prepare and e-File

You'll Be Fine!

On this page, find a checklist and different steps we recommend you should take prior to preparing and e-filing your taxes. Find a preparation guide, help during the filing process, and how to receive your refund or pay your due tax.

This page will help reduce errors and tax return rejections by the IRS and/or state agencies. With tax season underway, preparation began in January 2021 for 2020 returns due by April 15, 2021 May 17, 2021. However, we recommend you don't eFile until you are absolutely certain you have received all your tax forms, like a W-2 or 1099. According to the IRS, employers, brokers, etc. have to send these forms to you by January 31.

Furthermore, throughout the tax year, follow the eFile.com TickIT outline so you get to keep more of your hard earned money. Start using the eFile.com Taxometer in January to taxercise your paycheck, tax withholding, and balance your tax return.

2020 Income Tax Return Checklist

Tax Year

Type of Return

Description

2020

Step by Step: Prep To Prep

Follow these important Prep to Prep steps before you e-file your 2020 Taxes.

2020

Gather Tax Forms, Receipts, Documents

Checklist to collect all forms, data, etc. before you prepare and e-file your income tax return.

2020

Life Changing Events and Taxes

Go over these life changing events and see how they might effect your taxes.

2020

Forms you can e-File

A list of forms you can enter while preparing your return and forms the tax app will generate and eFile for you.

2020

EstimateIT Now. What is your 2020 Tax Refund?

With or without an eFile.com account, have access to over 10 Tax Tools that help you prepare. The best way to calculate your 2020 return in 2021 is to start free on eFile.com.

2020

Your 2019 Tax Return Copy

Ways to obtain a copy of your 2019 Tax Return. If you e-filed via eFile.com, your 2019 return will be in your account. You will need your 2019 AGI or Adjusted Gross Income for your 2020 tax return - see below.

2020

Form W-2 for Wages and Salaries

You will receive a W-2 from your employer which will list your total income and taxes withheld during the tax year.

2020

1099 Income Tax Forms

You will get a 1099 form online and/or in the mail if you received certain types of income during the year. For example, if you are self-employed, you may receive a 1099-MISC or 1099-NEC. Keep in mind, there are many other types of 1099 forms that may be required for your tax return.

2020

Social Security Number, Address, Name Change

Do you need a new or updated SSN? Or, has your address or name changed in 2020? If your return data does not match IRS data, your return might get rejected

2020

2019 Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)

You will need your 2019 AGI to be able to efile and validate your 2020 Tax Return. If you received a letter from the IRS with an Identity Number or an IP-PIN, you will need to enter this as well.

2020

How do want to receive your 2020 Tax Refund?

You will need to select one of these options while preparing your 2020 tax return. Generally, direct deposit is recommended as it is the quickest and safest way to receive a tax refund.

2020

How to pay for Taxes?

The tax penalties not to file are higher than not to pay. Tax Tip: file by the deadline, even if you can't pay!

2020

The Alternative Minimum Tax - AMT. Does it apply to you?

Generally, most taxpayers do not have to worry about the AMT. This is extra information—when you prepare on efile.com, the app will figure this out for you.

2020

Start to Prepare. Simplified 1040 Income Tax Return, Schedules

Calculate, Estimate First before you eFileIT. eFile.com supports various 1040 Forms which are outlined on the linked page.

2020

State Income Tax Returns, Schedules

efileIT only together with a Federal Return as per law, excluding the state of California. One or more state ONLY return(s) can be prepared on efile.com, but must be printed and mailed.

See more:

Further your tax return preparation.
Learn how to view your previous tax returns.
See how the eFile Tax App works and compare eFile to other tax preparation platforms.

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