Start with answering the personal information about yourself and your family. Then answer questions using any tax forms you've received - such as a w-2 or 1099. Then, take all your spending accounts, such as checking accounts and credit card receipts and add them up for potential deductiions. Hopefully, you've saved receipts for medical/dental expenses including things like eyeglasses and prescription drugs as well as any property tax bills. Other deductible expenses might include fees for things like auto registration. If you've answered all the questions and input information from the tax forms correctly, your return should be accurate. But, make sure it is by printing and checking everything before you file. I have found errors this way.