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Tax Forms 101: What Forms Do I Need to Submit My Tax Return
Carla Fried · April 28, 2020 · 4 min read
Filing your tax return is a rite of passage that can seem daunting given all the rules and regulations. Deep breath. Using tax-prep software is a budget-friendly way to streamline the tax filing process that handles all the hard work, such as guiding you on all the forms you need to submit.
The tax prep software will ask you a bunch questions about your financial life that cover both the income you earned, and the tax deductions you may be eligible to claim and tells you which tax documents you should have received from employers, investment account providers, and the firms processing any loans.
The program will walk you through inputting all the right data and then in the background will do all the necessary numbers crunching to spit out a finished tax return that includes all the supporting tax forms to file your tax return.
For instance, if you contributed to a Health Savings Account (HSA) last year you’ll want to file IRS Tax Form 8889, which enables you to claim contributions you made to your HSA during the year as a tax deduction. It’s also the form where you report any distributions (withdrawals) you made from your HSA.
The deadline for filing your federal tax return is typically April 15th of the following year. Due to the coronavirus crisis, the deadline to file 2019 tax-year returns has been extended to July 15, 2020. (Lively’s Covid-19 Guide provides updates on regulatory changes impacting HSAs.)
Here are common tax forms you will use to complete your taxes, and the forms that you will submit when you file your taxes:
Form 1040
This is the big kahuna tax form that constitutes your federal tax-return. All other forms are included as supporting documents for your 1040. There is a short-form called 1040-EZ, but if you intend to claim tax breaks such as the HSA contribution income deduction, you will need to file the standard 1040 form.
Income documents to help complete your 1040:
Form W-2: Provided by an employer if you are on staff. This reports what your employer told the IRS you received in income during the year, and the taxes you paid.
Form 1099-MISC: If you are self-employed, this document is sent to you by your clients reporting the income they paid you. When preparing your return, you will enter income from each client separately.
Form 1099-G: If you received unemployment payments or a state-tax refund, it will be reported on this form.
1099-DIV or 1099-INT: If you have a regular taxable investment account or savings account, you may receive either of these forms. The 1099-DIV reports any taxable dividend income or capital gains income on your account. If you earned or paid interest during the year you will receive a 1099-INT for each account.
Forms you need to claim valuable income tax deductions on your 1040:
Form 1098-E. If you made any payments on federal student loans, you may be eligible to deduct a portion of the interest you paid. Your student-loan servicer should send you a Form 1098-E if your interest payments were at least $600. If you paid any college tuition or related fees during the year you may be eligible for tax credits based on Form 1098-T your school will provide.
Form 8889. This form documents your contributions to an HSA, which are tax deductible.
Form 5498. If you contributed to an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) the provider will file this form with the IRS and send you a copy. If you contributed to a Traditional IRA or a SEP-IRA (for self-employed workers) you may be able to claim a tax deduction.
Benefits
2024 and 2025 HSA Maximum Contribution Limits
Lively · May 9, 2024 · 3 min read
On May 9, 2024 the Internal Revenue Service announced the HSA contribution limits for 2025. For 2025 HSA-eligible account holders are allowed to contribute: $4,300 for individual coverage and $8,500 for family coverage. If you are 55 years or older, you’re still eligible to contribute an extra $1,000 catch-up contribution.
Benefits
What is the Difference Between a Flexible Spending Account and a Health Savings Account?
Lauren Hargrave · February 9, 2024 · 12 min read
A Health Savings Account (HSA) and Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (FSA) provide up to 30% savings on out-of-pocket healthcare expenses. That’s good news. Except you can’t contribute to an HSA and Healthcare FSA at the same time. So what if your employer offers both benefits? How do you choose which account type is best for you? Let’s explore the advantages of each to help you decide which wins in HSA vs FSA.
Health Savings Accounts
Ways Health Savings Account Matching Benefits Employers
Lauren Hargrave · October 13, 2023 · 7 min read
Employers need employees to adopt and engage with their benefits and one way to encourage employees to adopt and contribute to (i.e. engage with) an HSA, is for employers to match employees’ contributions.
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