Tax season in the US arrives with a pile of forms.
A W-2. Maybe a 1099. Possibly a 1098, a 1099-DIV, or a health insurance form you don’t fully recognise.
You open your return — or your tax software — and something doesn’t add up. A box you don’t recognise. A deduction you’ve heard about but aren’t sure you can take.
Most Americans file their own taxes. Most of them have questions.
This is where AI helps.
What this helps with
Use this when:
- you don’t understand a form, box, or line
- you’re unsure what you can deduct
- you want to check for missed credits
- you received an IRS notice you don’t understand
- you’ve had a life change this year
- you want clarity before filing
The simple rule
You don’t need to understand the full tax code. You need to understand your return well enough to file it correctly and notice anything that needs a second look.
AI helps you get there.
Try this
Open Claude, ChatGPT, or any AI tool and paste this:
“I’m working on my US tax return and have some questions. Here’s my situation: [employed, self-employed, or retired — plus any changes this year such as freelance income, working from home, a home purchase, a major life event, or investment activity]. What should I make sure I include? What do people in my situation commonly miss? And what deductions or credits should I look into?”
What you’ll actually get back
Someone had been employed full time but picked up freelance work during the year. They received both a W-2 and a 1099-NEC and weren’t sure how to handle both or what they could deduct.
They described the situation to AI — the two income types, that they worked from home for the freelance portion, and that they’d made retirement contributions.
What came back clarified the structure. W-2 and 1099 income are both reported but handled differently — the 1099 income goes on Schedule C and is subject to self-employment tax, which catches a lot of first-time freelancers off guard. Home office expenses may be deductible if the space is used regularly and exclusively for work. Retirement contributions may reduce taxable income. And because no tax was withheld on the freelance income, they might owe a balance.
They filed with confidence. No surprises.
Understanding a specific form or box
“I received a [form name — W-2, 1099-NEC, 1099-INT, 1098, 1095-A]. Here’s what it shows: [describe the boxes and amounts]. Can you explain what this means and what I should do with it on my return?”
Checking what you can deduct
“I’m filing my US taxes. Here’s my situation: [describe — employment type, major expenses, life situation, state]. What deductions or credits should I be looking at?”
Standard deduction versus itemizing
“Can you explain the difference between the standard deduction and itemizing on my US return? Here’s my situation: [describe — mortgage interest, charitable donations, medical expenses, state taxes paid]. Which approach is likely better for me?”
Understanding an IRS notice
“I received a notice from the IRS. Here’s what it says: [paste or describe]. Can you explain what this means in plain language and what I need to do?”
Common credits worth knowing about
The Earned Income Tax Credit applies to low to moderate income workers and is frequently missed by people who qualify. The Child Tax Credit applies if you have dependent children under 17. The Child and Dependent Care Credit covers some childcare costs if you paid someone while you worked. Education credits apply to tuition and related expenses for yourself or a dependent. The Saver’s Credit applies to certain retirement contributions for eligible filers.
If any of these might apply, describe your situation to AI and ask.
Verify it
US tax rules change annually and vary by state. Use AI to understand your situation and prepare better questions. For anything involving a significant amount, an IRS dispute, or a complex situation, verify with a CPA or enrolled agent before filing. The IRS also offers free filing options and resources at irs.gov.
Start with what’s confusing you
Pick the form, box, or question you keep coming back to. Describe it to AI. Ask what it means and what to do.
That’s enough to get unstuck — and often enough to catch something worth knowing before you file.
What to read next
How to Use AI to Understand a Tax Return
How to Use AI to Respond to a Tax Letter
How to Use AI Before a Banking or Financial Appointment
Or visit the Decision Hub