Filing your taxes can never be rushed. While it might be tempting to think you can breeze through it in no time, the reality is that filing taxes takes careful attention and, yes, time.
Whether it’s gathering all the necessary documents, understanding the deductions you qualify for, or simply avoiding common mistakes, rushing through it can lead to major errors.
But this brings another question to mind. How long does it really take to file your taxes?
The answer depends on your situation. A simple tax return might take around 13 hours, but for many, it can take even longer.
For many taxpayers, this process can stretch beyond 16 to 17 hours, especially if they have complex forms or multiple deductions to factor in.
On top of that, without professional help, there’s always the chance of making mistakes, resulting in penalties, interest, or even an IRS audit.
So, read along to find out how long does it takes to file your taxes and discover ways to simplify the process, save time, and ensure accuracy. In this blog post, we’ll explore the common challenges faced by tax filers and share practical tips to make tax filing faster, simpler, and less stressful.
Understanding the Tax Filing Process
Here’s how you can make filing your federal taxes less stressful and more efficient by following a few simple steps from start to finish.
- Gather Essential Documents: To file accurately, you’ll need key documents such as W-2s from employers, 1099 forms for freelance work, and receipts for any deductions (e.g., charitable donations or medical expenses).
- Select Your Filing Status: Your filing status—whether single, married filing jointly, married filing separately, head of household, or qualifying widow(er)—directly impacts your tax rate and eligible deductions. Choose the status that reflects your current situation.
- Decide How to File: The IRS recommends e-filing for quicker processing, increased accuracy, and faster refunds. You can also file by mail. But it may take longer to process.
- Standard Deduction vs. Itemized Deductions: You can either take the standard deduction, which is a set amount, or itemize if your deductible expenses (e.g., mortgage interest, medical bills) exceed the standard deduction. Choose whichever option gives you the largest tax benefit.
- Paying Taxes Owed: If you owe taxes, you can pay directly through the IRS website, set up a payment plan, or look into relief options. Paying on time is key to avoiding penalties.
- Filing Deadline and Extensions: The federal tax filing deadline is typically April 15. If you need more time, you can request an extension, but keep in mind that any taxes owed must still be paid by the original deadline to avoid interest and penalties.
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How Long Does It Take to File Your Taxes?
The time it takes to file your taxes depends on your filing type, whether you’re an individual or a business taxpayer. The table below provides an overview of the total time and average cost for each type of filer.
| Taxpayer Type | Total Time (Average) | Average Cost |
| All Taxpayers | 13 hours | $270 |
| Nonbusiness Taxpayers | 9 hours | $150 |
| Business Taxpayers | 24 hours | $560 |
Below is a breakdown of the tax-filing timings for you to understand the process better:
Non-Business Taxpayers
For non-business taxpayers, the process is usually simpler and takes about 9 hours in total:
- Recordkeeping: 3 hours
- Tax Planning: 1 hour
- Form Completion and Submission: 3 hours
- Other: 1 hour
Business Taxpayers
For business owners or those self-employed, filing taxes is more complex, and they typically spend 24 hours in total:
- Recordkeeping: 12 hours
- Tax Planning: 5 hours
- Form Completion and Submission: 6 hours
- Other: 2 hours
All Taxpayers Combined
When averaged across all taxpayers, including both business and non-business filers, the total time to file taxes is approximately 13 hours.
- Recordkeeping: 6 hours
- Tax Planning: 2 hours
- Form Completion and Submission: 4 hours
- Other: 1 hour
Specific Forms and Their Filing Time
When it comes to filing your taxes, the time it takes often depends on the specific form you’re using. Below are a few examples of the many IRS forms and their typical filing times:
| Form Type | Filing Time |
| 1040 Form | Expect to spend around 15 hours in total, which includes 7 hours for recordkeeping, 2 hours for tax planning, and 4 hours for completing and submitting the form. |
| 1040A Form | This simpler version takes approximately 7 hours to complete. |
| 1040EZ Form | The easiest form of all, the 1040EZ, generally takes around 5 hours to file. |
Each form requires different levels of detail, with the 1040 taking the longest due to its complexity. For quicker returns, the 1040A and 1040EZ forms are ideal, especially if you have straightforward finances.
U.S. Tax Filing Deadlines in 2024Here’s a breakdown of the important U.S. tax filing deadlines that may apply to your situation:
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Is Preparing Tax Returns Hard?
The tax code is often overwhelming, and determining which forms to use, which deductions to take, and which credits to claim can require a level of expertise that many people may not have.
However, getting help from a tax professional or using tax preparation software can significantly simplify the process, ensuring accuracy and helping you avoid costly mistakes.
On the other hand, if your situation is straightforward, you might find it relatively easy to prepare your tax return.
How Can I Reduce the Time It Takes to File Taxes?
A significant portion of the time spent on preparing taxes is often dedicated to gathering and organizing records. This task becomes particularly time-consuming if you haven’t kept track of necessary documents throughout the year. This is not always easy to manage single-handedly, especially with the demands of daily life or running a business. This is where you might need professional help to keep you going in the right direction.
What Happens If I Don’t File My Taxes on Time?
Failing to file your taxes on time can lead to serious consequences, including financial penalties and increased scrutiny from the IRS. Here’s what you can expect if you miss the tax filing deadline:
- Late Filing Penalty
The IRS imposes a penalty for late filing, which is typically 5% of the unpaid taxes for each month your return is late, up to a maximum of 25%. The longer you delay filing, the higher the penalty. - Late Payment Penalty
If you owe taxes and don’t pay by the deadline, the IRS charges a late payment penalty of 0.5% of the unpaid taxes for each month the payment is late, up to a maximum of 25%. Even if you file for an extension, the tax payment is still due by the original deadline. - Interest on Unpaid Taxes
In addition to penalties, the IRS charges interest on any unpaid taxes, which continue to accrue until the balance is fully paid off. This can significantly increase the amount you owe over time. - Loss of Refund
If you’re expecting a refund and fail to file within three years of the original deadline, you risk losing your refund altogether. The IRS has strict rules about claiming refunds beyond this window. - Increased Risk of IRS Audits
Not filing on time can flag your account for additional IRS scrutiny, increasing the chances of an audit. This can lead to more complications and potentially larger penalties if issues are found in your return. - Potential Legal Consequences
While rare, in extreme cases of willful failure to file or ongoing non-compliance, the IRS may pursue legal action, including criminal charges, which could result in fines or even jail time.
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Final Thoughts!
If you think you cannot handle the tax filing process alone, get the help you deserve. With SWAT Advisors, backed by a team of professionals who have worked with the IRS for years now.
They can guide you through every step, help maximize deductions, ensure accuracy, and make sure everything is filed on time—so you won’t have to wonder how long does it take to do your own taxes ever again.
