Filing basics
How to prepare for your US individual tax return
Learn how to organise your tax records, review your prior-year return and prepare questions before working with a tax professional.
- Estimated reading time
- 6 min read
- Last reviewed:
File with clarity. Backed by professionals.
US tax filing, made clear.
Tell us about your filing needs through a short enquiry. If Clear1040 can assist, our team will explain the service scope, information required and the approved process for preparing, reviewing and filing your return.
The filing journey
- 1EnquireTell us about your filing requirement
- 2AssessWe confirm service suitability and scope
- 3PrepareInformation is collected through an approved process and the return is prepared and reviewed
- 4Approve and fileYou review and authorise the completed return before filing
The taxpayer filing portal is planned and is not currently available. Do not submit tax documents or sensitive taxpayer information through the public enquiry form.
- Professional preparation and review
- Clear status updates
- Approved process for sensitive information
- Customer approval before filing
How it works
Four clear steps from enquiry to filed return
A structured, professional-assisted process with review and approval before filing.
Step 1
Enquire
Tell us about your filing requirement through a short enquiry.
Step 2
Assess
We confirm service suitability and the scope of the work.
Step 3
Prepare
Information is collected through an approved process and the return is prepared and reviewed.
Step 4
Approve and file
You review and authorise the completed return before it is filed.
Services
Who Clear1040 is for
We support a range of individual filing situations. Eligibility is confirmed after we review your requirement.
Individuals and families
Straightforward personal filing situations, prepared and reviewed by a tax professional.
Salaried employees
Wage income with common deductions and credits, handled through a structured digital process.
Self-employed professionals
Freelance, contract or small business income where extra care and review are helpful.
Investments, rental or other reporting
Situations involving investment activity, rental income or additional reporting requirements.
Clear1040 supports federal and applicable state individual tax return preparation. Texas does not impose an individual state income tax, but Texas residents may still have filing obligations in other states depending on their circumstances. Multi-state, nonresident, foreign-income and other complex matters are subject to initial assessment and are not automatically accepted.
Why Clear1040
Professional support, in plain language
Professional assistance instead of filing alone
Your return is handled through a professional-assisted process that may involve preparation personnel, professional review and additional CPA or EA involvement where required by the accepted service scope.
Plain-language communication
Questions and updates are written for people who do not work with tax terminology every day.
A structured digital process
Each stage is defined, so you know what has been done and what is needed next.
Review and approval before filing
Nothing is filed until you have reviewed the completed return and confirmed your approval.
Access to completed return documents
Your final return documents are provided to you once filing is complete.
Clear process and communication
Always know where your return stands
You will see the status of your return as it moves through preparation, and you can respond to questions from the preparation team.
- Stage 1
Documents received
- Stage 2
Under review
- Stage 3
Return prepared
- Stage 4
Awaiting approval
- Stage 5
Filed
Planned for the Clear1040 filing portal. Not currently available.
Get started
Get ready for a clearer filing experience.
Tell us about your filing requirement. Our team will contact you with the next steps.
Resources
What to know before you file
Short guides to help you organise your records and understand the filing situations that may apply to you.
Income and records
Understanding your common tax documents
Understand what common tax documents generally report and why the documents you need depend on your income and filing circumstances.
- Estimated reading time
- 7 min read
- Last reviewed:
State and special situations
Understanding federal and state tax returns
Understand how federal and state returns differ and why where you live, work or earn income may affect your state filing obligations.
- Estimated reading time
- 6 min read
- Last reviewed:
Resources
Frequently asked questions
How does Clear1040 work?
You share your documents and information, a tax professional prepares and reviews your return, you review and approve it, and the approved return is then filed.
Will a tax professional review my return?
Yes. Returns are prepared and reviewed by qualified tax professionals before they are sent to you for approval.
Can I review my return before it is filed?
Yes. The completed return is provided to you for review, and filing proceeds only after you confirm your approval.
Which returns can Clear1040 prepare?
Clear1040 supports federal and applicable state individual tax return preparation. Texas does not impose an individual state income tax, but Texas residents may still have filing obligations in other states depending on their circumstances. Multi-state, nonresident, foreign-income and other complex matters are subject to initial assessment.
Who prepares and reviews the return?
Return preparation may involve Clear1040 personnel, authorised support personnel located in India and, where required by the accepted service scope, external CPAs or enrolled agents. The applicable preparation and review arrangements are confirmed as part of the service. Where legally required, Clear1040 will obtain the taxpayer's specific consent before tax return information is disclosed to personnel or service providers outside the United States.
What documents will I need?
This depends on your situation. After you get in touch, our team will tell you which documents are relevant for your filing requirement.
Is Clear1040 suitable for every tax situation?
Not necessarily. Service availability and filing eligibility are reviewed case by case, and we will tell you if your situation is outside our current scope.
When will the online filing portal be available?
The filing portal is in development. Share your details and we will let you know as soon as it is available.
Ready to make tax filing clearer?
File with clarity. Backed by professionals.