What to know before filing your own taxes for the first time

The process of filing your own taxes can seem daunting, especially if you are doing it for the first time. But assuming that your financial situation is fairly straightforward and you have the necessary documents already in order, it can actually be a cinch. Plus, many of the tax filing programs available today will help walk you through the whole thing, step by step, so you are never truly on your own.

Still, you can save yourself some stress — and time — by doing a little legwork now....