First time tax file in califonria?

Question

Hello, I am 18 years old, I got my w2 from my job. I made $21,000 in 2006. HOw this works, I live in California. I am single, no kids. Please explain how I paid taxes? Or I will be paying this year?. Throughtout the year I have seen my checks with deductions for state, federal etc....What is my tax brackets or Taxable income, I am confused, I don't know what I am asking. thank you.

NOTE. I AM INDEPENDENT, I RENT MY LITTLE ROOM, NOBODY IS CLAIMING ME AS DEPENDENT.

Answer 1

You can either file the old fashion way (paper forms) for both state and federal or go for the FREE efile . . .
The links are at the top center of the page, I chose TaxAct .
They step thru all the questions and the Fed is Free, they charge < $20 to do the state calculations and file.

You should probably read through the instructions for the 1040 however, since you are new and that explains all the incomes (wages, savings interest, stock dividends etc) and all the possible deductions or standard deductions.
Good Luck and welcome to the adult world of taxes

http://www.irs.gov/

Answer 2

pick up a federal tax book from the Post Office - library or county building. Or go online to www.irs.gov. In the back of the book is a chart listing income and 4 brackets, single, married etc. Look under single and see if you paid enough taxes (from looking at your w2) If you paid too much you get some back if you paid too little you owe.
As you most likely do not own a house you can use the short form. If you live at home with the folks ask them if they are using you for a deduction as this can not be done by both.