How to file your federal return

Overview

Filing your federal return in FileJoy is the final step after entering all your income, deductions, and credits. This guide walks you through the entire process from review to confirmation.

Before You File

Make sure you've completed all the relevant sections:

• **Income:** All W-2s, 1099s, and other income entered
• **Deductions & Credits:** Mortgage interest, donations, credits reviewed
• **Household:** Names, SSNs, and dates of birth verified
• **Filing status:** Confirmed as correct

Step 1: Run the Review

From the left sidebar, click Review (or navigate to the Review page). FileJoy performs an automated check of your entire return, looking for:

• Missing required information
• Potential errors or inconsistencies
• Common audit triggers
• Opportunities you might have missed (credits, deductions)

Each issue is flagged with a severity level:

• **Errors** (red) — Must be fixed before filing
• **Warnings** (yellow) — Should be reviewed but won't block filing
• **Info** (blue) — Helpful tips and suggestions

Step 2: Fix Any Issues

Click on any flagged item to jump directly to the relevant section. Make your corrections and return to the Review page. The issue will automatically clear once resolved.

Step 3: Go to the File Page

Once all errors are resolved, click File Your Return in the left sidebar. You'll see a summary of your return including:

• Total income
• Total deductions
• Tax owed or refund amount
• Filing status and dependents claimed

Step 4: The Confirmation Checklist

Before submitting, FileJoy presents a final checklist. Review and confirm each item:

• All income has been reported accurately
• Filing status is correct
• Bank account information for direct deposit is correct
• You confirm the information is true and accurate to the best of your knowledge

Step 5: Choose How to File

FileJoy does not file returns on your behalf. Once your return is prepared, you have several options:

• **IRS Direct File / Free File** — Use our guided walkthrough to file electronically on the IRS website (free)
• **Download PDF** — Download your completed return and file it yourself by mail
• **Take it to a CPA** — Download your prepared return and bring it to a licensed tax professional for review and filing

Step 6: After You File

After you file your prepared return through the IRS, your return status will update to Prepared on the dashboard.

Downloading Your PDF

You can download a complete PDF copy of your prepared return at any time:

1. Go to the **Dashboard**
2. Find the return under **Past Returns**
3. Click **Download PDF**

Keep this for your records—it's recommended to save tax returns for at least 3 to 7 years.

Tips

• File as early as possible to get your refund sooner and reduce identity theft risk
• Double-check your bank account number for direct deposit—errors can delay your refund
• If you need more time, file an extension (but pay estimated taxes to avoid penalties)
• After filing, check back in 24–48 hours for IRS acknowledgment