DON'T PANIC: Filing taxes as a college student

Imagine skipping a class, only to walk in next time and find a test waiting for you. You flip open the packet, but the questions might as well be in another language. Everyone else seems to know exactly what they’re doing, while you’re just trying to make sense of it all.

That’s what filing taxes for the first time can feel like. You’re handed a stack of forms and expected to figure it out on your own. It’s overwhelming, to say the least.

But before you start stressing, take a deep breath. A few key questions can help simplify the process. So grab that pile of paperwork and ask yourself:

Do I even have to file? 

There’s a simple way to bypass this whole process.

If you didn’t earn much last year, you might not need to file taxes at all. Generally, if your earned income (wages and tips) was less than $14,600 and your unearned income (interest and dividends) was under $1,100, filing likely isn’t required.

That said, it could still be worth it.

If you had a summer job or worked part-time during the semester, your employer probably withheld taxes from your paycheck as if you were working all year. Filing could mean getting some of that money back as a refund.

How hard does this have to be?

If your tax situation is pretty simple, filing doesn’t have to be a headache.

The IRS offers Form 1040, which is designed to cover most filing needs. All you need to do is enter your wages, filing status (single or married), and the taxes you've already paid—most of which are listed right on your W-2, the form your employer sends you by mail or online.

You can also use tax software or free filing options to make it even easier. While you might not qualify for many tax credits as a student, it's still worth checking to see if you’re eligible for any deductions that could lower your taxable income.

Relevant Article: 7 most popular self-filing tax services, reviewed and ready for use!

Where can I get help?

You don’t have to figure this out on your own.

If you’d rather avoid the hassle, an e-filing service can make things much easier. The IRS even has a Free File tool to help you choose the best option—check it out here.

There’s also free in-person help available. Many college campuses offer Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), where trained volunteers—often business students looking to gain experience—help file taxes for free. This can be especially helpful if your tax situation is more complex, like if you’re paying for college on your own or earning self-employment income from a side hustle.

Filing your taxes might not be the most exciting part of adulthood, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right tools, resources, and a little preparation, you can get it done quickly—and maybe even score a refund in the process. So don’t put it off too long—future you will thank you!

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