<prompt> Human: 30-day challengesWe are pleased to continue our 30-day challenge series. Past challenges can be found hereThis months 30-day challenge is to Prepare your Tax Return Accurately, and File Early. Youve successfully completed this challenge once youve filed your US federal income tax return by March 31st.Recommended Steps:Plan1. Learn how US income taxes work: Watch Basics of US income tax rate schedule Watch Tax deductions introduction Read rpersonalfinancess very own wiki page on income tax Understand what exactly your tax return is: A form you fill out, telling the government how much money you made, calculating how much taxes you owe on that money your tax liability, and squaring-up with the government: Figuring out if you already paid more than your actual tax liability throughout the year with paycheck withholdings in which case you will get a tax refund, or if you havent paid enough throughout the year, and owe a balance to the government.2. Determine your filing status and determine whether you can be claimed as a dependent by anyone for example, your parents, or can claim any dependents. IRS Dependent Tool3. Prepare a map for what documentation you will need to fill out your tax return, then go through the list and make sure you have the documentation for each. Dont worry if you forget something. The software you use to fill out your tax return or the tax return form itself will remind you of things you might have forgotten. Jot down every possible way you made money this year remember, even if you dont get a form, you still need to report it: paycheck from my job W-2 form interest on my bank account personal records like your December account statement, or a 1099 form dividends from my stock 1099-Div income from my small business or self employment personal records, or 1099 form Make a list of all the possible deductions you might think you are eligible for, and make sure you have documentation: mortgage interest you paid 1098 student loan interest you paid 1098-E education expenses 1098-T state or local income taxes W-2 charitable contributions personal records Prepare and file your Tax ReturnUsing one of the following methods1. See if you are eligible for completely free tax return preparation software sponsored by the IRS2. Use paid or free tax return preparation software. Examples: TaxAct, TurboTax, CreditKarma, AARP, FreeTaxUSA, TaxSlayer. See our megathread for discussion.3. Manually fill out the tax return form online using IRS Free Fillable FormsBy starting early, it allows you more time to deal with unanticipated questions about your tax return. Wait, can I claim my girlfriend as a dependent? Do I have to report income from renting out the spare room in my house to a friend?. When these come up, feel free to create a new post asking for help with as much details as you can provide.  <response>: I filed my taxes a month ago, but still waiting on the state refund. They are dragging their feet. I qualified almosy fully for two brand new tax credits so I am certain that they are taking their sweet time with it. For reference, my state refund tripled compared to prior years. Plug for this thread: if you are interested in learning a bit more about taxes look into volunteering at a VITA tax site. Edit: return finally approved yesterday! 