{"id":62741,"date":"2023-05-15T12:25:54","date_gmt":"2023-05-15T17:25:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/resource-center.hrblock.com\/?p=62741"},"modified":"2023-05-15T12:26:27","modified_gmt":"2023-05-15T17:26:27","slug":"simple-tax-return","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hrbcomlnp.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/filing\/simple-tax-return\/","title":{"rendered":"What is a simple tax return?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Income tax, for some, is more straightforward than for others. You may have heard the term “simple tax return,” but this term can be really subjective because taxes can have so many nuances. Plus, tax preparation knowledge and experience varies from person to person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes, a \u201csimple tax return\u201d is shorthand for taxpayers who can file for free. While that\u2019s good context to keep in mind, it may not be the only way people think of a simple tax return. Knowing there can be various meanings to this concept, let\u2019s take a look at the details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>What is considered a simple tax return?<\/h2>\n\n\n
\n
\"woman<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

While there\u2019s no official designation of a simple tax return, it generally boils down to taxes that are primarily prepared on IRS Form 1040<\/a>. It often involves reporting taxable income from a single source, such as wages from a traditional W-2<\/a> job, claiming the IRS standard deduction<\/a>, and perhaps a limited number of tax credits or other adjustments to income.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That said, there\u2019s still no one type of simple tax return. Your filing status could be \u201cSingle\u201d or \u201cMarried Filing Jointly.\u201d You may be working and have W-2 income or retired with just some interest income. You may or may not have children. You may claim a tax credit \u2014 or not. Or, you may have a different tax rate than someone who also categorically would be considered as having a simple return. As you can see, it\u2019s hard to pinpoint what exactly is considered a simple tax return.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>What isn\u2019t part of a simple tax return?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It may be easier to say that what a simple tax return isn\u2019t versus saying what it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As you go through life your taxes can change based on new activities or income streams. For example, if you decide to start working for yourself (self-employment income<\/a>), begin investing or have <\/a>rental income<\/a>, you\u2019re also adding complexity to your taxes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consider home ownership, for example. Buying and owning a home means you might take different tax deductions. Sometimes, you\u2019ll pay lower taxes if you itemize these deductions on another tax form along with your IRS Form 1040. The home mortgage interest deduction<\/a> and property tax deductions<\/a> are examples. Also, selling a home<\/a> or other investments are just other examples of how your taxes may be affected during tax season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The bottom line is: With more complicated taxes, you’ll file your Form 1040 and potentially several other tax forms or schedules to appropriately calculate and report your total tax bill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>Have a simple tax return? You may be able to file for free<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you have a simple tax situation, you may be able to file for free with our online tax software. To find out if you qualify, visit the <\/a>H&R Block Free Online<\/a> page for details as it can change from year to year.*<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>Get help with your tax return<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you choose to file with a tax pro<\/a>fessional or file with H&R Block Online<\/a>, you can rest assured that we\u2019ll get you the biggest tax refund possible, by getting you every tax credit and deduction you deserve.**<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

*: All tax situations are different. Additional fees may apply.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

**: All tax situations are different. Not everyone gets a refund.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Income tax, for some, is more straightforward than for others. You may have heard the term “simple tax return,” but this term can be really subjective because taxes can have so many nuances. Plus, tax preparation knowledge and experience varies from person to person. Sometimes, a \u201csimple tax return\u201d is shorthand for taxpayers who can […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":62742,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[125],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-62741","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-filing"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"What is a Simple Tax Return? | H&R Block<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Filing your tax return and looking for options? 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