Quick Start: File Taxes with Liberty Tax
I will guide you step by step through filing your income taxes with Liberty Tax, whether you choose an in-person agent or an online DIY option, offering practical tips, flagging common pitfalls, and showing how to maximize credits and refunds this fast-moving season.
What You Need Before You Begin
- I have W‑2s, 1099s, and Social Security numbers.
- I bring prior-year return, deduction receipts, and IRS/healthcare notices.
- I have a bank routing/account for direct deposit and a photo ID for Liberty Tax visits.
Step 1: Gather Every Document and Receipt
Gather every tax document I might need. I start every Liberty Tax filing by collecting everything so the preparer or the online portal can quickly find credits and deductions.
I assemble these key items:
- W-2s (all employers)
- 1099s — NEC, MISC, INT, DIV, and contractor pay
- 1098 (mortgage interest) and 1098‑T (tuition)
- 1095 (health coverage) and Social Security statements
- K-1s (partnership/S-corp/estate) and investment statements
- Schedule C records (self‑employment income, mileage log, receipts)
- Prior‑year tax return and IRS notices / IP PIN
- Proof of childcare and dependent SSNs
- Receipts for medical, charitable, and business expenses
- Bank routing/account numbers for direct deposit
- Records of estimated tax payments, student loan interest, and state taxes paid
- Rental/property and crypto transaction histories if applicable
- Government photo ID and Social Security card for identity verification
Scan or photograph documents before your Liberty Tax appointment; the client portal accepts uploads, and many offices can import files. Use a labeled folder or checklist to avoid missing items.
Step 2: Choose In-Person or Online Filing
Decide whether I’ll file in person or online. I choose based on return complexity, budget, and turnaround time.
I weigh these quick rules: for a simple W‑2 return, I use Liberty Tax’s online filing or mobile upload—faster and usually cheaper. If I have self‑employment income, rental property, K‑1s, or multiple state returns, I book an in‑person preparer who can spot deductions and advise a strategy.
Ask the Liberty Tax office or check the portal for these details:
- Services available: office appointments, drop‑off service, and online platform
- Pricing: upfront estimate (varies by location and forms)
- Turnaround & e‑file options: how soon they file, and if they e‑file state returns
- Audit assistance & prep guarantee: what’s covered and for how long
- Privacy & uploads: how documents are stored and whether uploads are encrypted
- Discounts & payment options: seasonal promos, veterans/student rates, and whether a refund can cover fees
Example: I once uploaded two W‑2s via the mobile app and was e‑filed the same day; when I later had rental income, I booked an in‑office appointment to capture all deductions.
Step 3: Create Your Liberty Tax Account or Book an Appointment
Create my Liberty Tax account at LibertyTax.com or call my local Liberty Tax office to schedule an appointment early. Enter my name, email, and a secure password in the client portal, then verify my identity with a photo ID or security questions.
Enter my prior‑year AGI for IRS identity verification and upload W‑2s, 1099s, and relevant documents—or prepare them to bring to the appointment. Request an appointment time that allows the preparer time to review documents before filing (for example, book a 30–45 minute slot).
Upload or bring these items:
- W‑2s and 1099s
- Photo ID
- Prior‑year tax return (for AGI)
- Bank routing/account numbers for direct deposit
Provide my refund preferences (direct deposit, check, debit card, or app deposit) and complete any Liberty Tax consent/engagement forms. Compare refund‑advance or tax‑loan interest and fees and bring alternate funding details if needed. Verify my preparer’s PTIN, bring signature authorization, and be ready to e‑sign Form 8879 so my preparer can e‑file promptly.
Step 4: Enter Income, Deductions, and Credits Carefully
Enter income sources first: W‑2 wages, 1099‑NEC/1099‑MISC, 1099‑INT/1099‑DIV, unemployment, and business income. Use Liberty Tax’s interview screens or tell my preparer the facts so they map forms and schedules correctly. For example, if I earned $8,000 as a contractor, I enter the 1099‑NEC and attach Schedule C details.
Include deductible items next: retirement (IRA/401(k)) contributions, HSA deposits, student loan interest, and qualified education expenses. If I’m self‑employed, include home office deduction, business mileage logs, and eligible business expenses — I keep receipts and a mileage log.
Work credits afterward because they often move the needle: EITC, Child Tax Credit, education credits, and energy credits.
Watch for these common mistakes:
- Transposed numbers
- Incorrect filing status
- Missing dependent SSNs
- Unreported crypto trades (Form 8949)
- State return inconsistencies
Cross‑check Liberty Tax prompts, reconcile federal and state totals, document non‑cash charitable donations, and keep receipts. Use Liberty Tax audit support year‑round if questions arise.
Step 5: Review, Sign, File, and Pay
Review every name, Social Security number, filing status, and dependent entry. Verify math, income totals, and that I claimed every applicable deduction and credit; for example, confirm my Schedule C expenses match my business records.
Verify the Liberty Tax preparer summary and the expected refund or payment line so I know the outcome before filing. Sign Form 8879 electronically or in person so Liberty Tax can e-file on my behalf.
Choose direct deposit for fastest refunds and double-check my bank routing and account numbers against a voided check. If I owe, select a payment method and understand fees and timing:
- Bank debit (ACH)
- Credit card (processing fee applies)
- IRS installment agreement (set up if needed)
Save PDFs of federal and state returns and all confirmation emails immediately after filing. Monitor e-file acceptance and use the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tracker; resolve any rejections quickly with Liberty Tax’s help. Keep copies for at least three years and note my preparer’s contact for follow‑up.
Step 6: Track Refunds, Respond to Notices, and Plan Ahead
Track my refund and e-file acceptance with the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool and Liberty Tax’s client portal. Check both within 24–48 hours after filing; example: I saw “accepted” the day after e-file.
Contact Liberty Tax immediately if my return is rejected so my preparer can correct, explain the rejection, and resubmit. Example: a common rejection is an SSN mismatch — I bring my Social Security card and ID to the office or upload scans securely.
Watch for IRS or state notices and respond within the deadline. If audited, use Liberty Tax’s audit assistance or representation options and provide requested documents quickly.
Store signed returns and supporting documents in a locked home file or encrypted cloud storage and keep digital PDFs for easy access. Back up to two locations.
Review withholding and estimated tax payments now to avoid penalties next year. Ask Liberty Tax about planning opportunities such as increasing 401(k) contributions, tax‑loss harvesting in my investment account, or changing business entity.
Maintain year‑round contact with my Liberty Tax preparer, enroll in identity protection if needed, save receipts for audits, and schedule a midyear check‑in to adjust strategies.
Finish Strong and Stay Connected
I’ve outlined a path to file income taxes with Liberty Tax; follow the steps, use Liberty Tax’s online tools or in-person support, ask questions, and stay organized to maximize your refund, reduce stress-ready to get started?
Also check out our best cashback offer from Liberty Tax and other related offers too
Quick question about Step 6: How long after filing should I expect to hear if there’s an issue? The guide mentions ‘respond to notices’ but not timing details.
Good point. Typically, the IRS sends notices within a few weeks to a few months depending on the issue. If it’s about a math error or missing form, you’ll usually get a notice in 6-8 weeks; for audits it can take longer. Respond promptly and keep copies of your documents.
I got a notice in about a month last year about a missing W-2. It was resolved quickly once I provided the paperwork.
Neutral take: The guide is clear but felt a little generic in parts — Step 4 could use more examples for common deductions (like childcare, student loans, and home office). Still, it’s a solid starting point.
Thanks, Emily — good feedback. We’ll consider adding expanded examples and common scenarios to Step 4 in the next update.
Agreed. Examples with numbers would help people who are visual learners.
Huge shoutout to Step 5: Review, Sign, File, and Pay. I almost forgot to e-sign last year and wondered why my refund was delayed. Pro tip: screenshot the confirmation page. Also, the “Finish Strong” bit should be tattooed on my forehead 😂
Screenshots are great — and keep the confirmation number. The guide suggests saving proof of filing for at least three years.
Haha same — had an e-sign glitch and had to call support. Keep a backup of your documents.
Also set calendar reminders to track refunds (Step 6) and respond to notices. Ignoring letters just makes it worse.
If your refund is delayed, the IRS ‘Where’s My Refund’ tool is your friend. But allow a few days after filing for it to update.
Okay small panic — I have freelance 1099s, some 1099-K stuff, and receipts from a side gig. The guide’s Step 1 says “Gather Every Document and Receipt” but that’s vague.
Can someone break down which exact forms I should absolutely not forget?
I want to avoid re-filing or notices later. Thanks!
Great question, Priya. For gig work: 1099-NEC (or 1099-MISC), 1099-K if you got payments through platforms, bank statements, expense receipts (mileage, supplies), and any 1098 if you paid interest. Also note estimated tax payments, if applicable.
Thank you for detail info