Her Financial Future

Taxes might seem boring, but they can actually put money back in your pocket!

If you’ve worked a part-time job and saw taxes taken from your paycheck, you might be able to get some of that money back by filing a tax return. Filing a return is basically telling the government how much you made and how much tax you already paid—so they can send you a refund if they owe you one!

How to File For simple tax returns (like from a job at a café or summer gig), free websites like IRS Free File, TurboTax Free Edition, or H&R Block Free File walk you through the process step-by-step.

What’s a Deduction? Deductions lower the amount of your income that gets taxed. While you might not qualify for a ton right now, it’s helpful to know they exist! Some common deductions include:

• School or education-related expenses
• Work-related supplies
• Charitable donations

Quick Tip: If your parents still claim you as a dependent, make sure to mark that on your return. If you don’t, it could mess things up for them and you!

Bottom Line: Understanding how to file a basic return now makes adulting way easier later. Plus, who doesn’t love getting money back?