Filing US Taxes for the First Time

Each spring (usually by April 15) the US files taxes on the prior year's income. Your first filing isn't hard if you gather the right documents.

Key documents

• W-2: wage income from an employer
• 1099: freelance, interest, dividends, and other income
• SSN or ITIN

How to file

You can file through online software (such as TurboTax) or a Korean-American CPA. If a lot was withheld, you may get a refund; missing the deadline adds penalties, so keep to the schedule.