Filing taxes in the U.S. involves a range of documents that each serve a specific purpose. Form 1040 is commonly used by individuals to report income and determine how much tax is owed or refunded. W-2 forms are provided by employers and show how much you earned and how much was withheld for taxes throughout the year. 1099 forms report other types of income—such as freelance earnings, dividends, or interest—that aren’t captured on a W-2. Schedule C is often filed by self-employed individuals to report business income and expenses. While each form has a distinct role, they all come together to build a full picture of a taxpayer’s financial year. Understanding how and when to use each form is key to staying compliant, maximizing deductions, and avoiding costly errors. Learning the tax process helps individuals make smarter decisions and plan more effectively for the future.