Processed locally
Tax math runs in this browser through the bundled TaxVault engine instead of a remote tax-prep session.
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Start Here
A calmer way to sanity-check your federal taxes
TaxVault is built for people who want a fast estimate, a clear scope, and tighter control over where their tax data goes.
About 5 to 10 minutes
Most common path: W-2 only
No account required
What you will do
- Choose your filing status and add the people on the estimate.
- Enter only the W-2 or supported 1099 forms you actually have.
- Review the estimate and save a local draft if that helps.
Bring these details
- W-2, SSA-1099, 1099-INT, or 1099-DIV forms if you have them.
- Names, SSNs, and dates of birth for people on the return.
- Known IRA, HSA, or student loan interest amounts if they apply.
Before You Start
Estimate only, for a limited set of return types
This is not a filing product. Do not use these numbers to file a tax return.
Good fit for this estimate
- Single, Married Filing Jointly, or Head of Household returns.
- W-2 wages, SSA-1099 benefits, 1099-INT interest, and 1099-DIV dividends.
- Standard deduction with age 65+ or blindness adjustments.
- Known deductible IRA, HSA, and student loan interest amounts.
- Dependents entered for child and dependent credit estimates.
Use a fuller tax product if you have
- EIC, itemized deductions, pensions, IRA distributions, or self-employment income.
- Capital gains, ACA credits, or most federal schedules and forms.
- Any situation where you need filing-ready numbers or formal review.
- Head of Household unless you already know you qualify under IRS rules.
Privacy & Security
What makes TaxVault different for privacy and security
TaxVault avoids the usual cloud tax-intake pattern: the estimate runs locally, document references stay on screen only, device storage is opt-in, and the full implementation is public for inspection.
No forced cloud intake
You can work through the estimate without creating an account or handing forms to a hosted upload workflow.
On-screen reference only
Local PDFs and images are there for visual review. TaxVault does not OCR, parse, or import fields from reference files.
Security headers in place
The page ships with a strict Content Security Policy, a no-referrer policy, and device permissions turned off.
Retention is opt-in
Draft autosaves only in this tab by default. Turn on device storage only if you want the draft to persist in this browser.
Open source and auditable
The repository, security policy, and release controls are public so anyone can inspect how TaxVault handles sensitive data.
Draft stays only in this tab and clears when the tab closes.
Step 1 of 3
Set up the people on this estimate
Choose the filing status you usually use, then enter the people on the return. SSN fields stay hidden by default, and dates of birth help TaxVault apply age-based deduction rules.
Estimate Year
TaxVault keeps drafts, exports, and rule packs separated by federal tax year.
Loading the embedded tax-year configuration for this build.
Filing Status
Choose the status you usually file with on your federal return.
Your Information
Hidden on screen by default. Used locally to validate the return and build the draft
preview.
Used to determine age-based standard deduction rules.
Spouse Information
Hidden on screen by default. Used locally to validate the return and build the draft
preview.
Used to determine age-based standard deduction rules.
Dependents
Add any dependents you plan to claim. Head of Household requires at least one dependent, and child-related credits only apply to qualifying children under age 17.
Step 2 of 3
Enter only the forms you actually have
Most beginners start with the W-2 section and skip the rest. If a section does not apply to you, leave it alone.
Estimate Readiness
Can TaxVault estimate this draft?
Start with the forms you actually have. TaxVault will tell you whether this draft fits the supported estimate scope.
Blocking Issues
Manual Checks
W-2 Wage Statements
Add only the forms you actually have. Filled W-2 cards need an employer name, EIN, and wages.
Field Guide
Match the highlighted W-2 boxes before you type.
- Box 1 goes in Wages.
- Box 2 goes in Federal Tax Withheld.
- Boxes 3, 4, 5, 6, and 17 only matter if you open the additional W-2 fields.
If your paper copy is arranged a little differently, trust the printed box number.
1099-INT Interest Statements
Use the field guide below to match the paper form before entering the amounts.
Field Guide
The interest form only needs two numbers here.
- Box 1 goes in Taxable Interest.
- Box 8 goes in Tax-Exempt Interest.
- Institution name is optional if you just want the estimate.
If you have multiple 1099-INT forms, add one card for each paper form.
1099-DIV Dividend Statements
Use the guide below to find the two dividend boxes on your paper form.
Field Guide
Start with ordinary dividends, then the qualified subset.
- Box 1a goes in Ordinary Dividends.
- Box 1b goes in Qualified Dividends.
- Box 1b should never be larger than Box 1a.
If you only see ordinary dividends, you can leave qualified dividends at zero.
Adjustments to Income
Enter only deduction amounts you already know you can claim. TaxVault does not verify IRA coverage rules, HSA eligibility, or annual contribution limits.
TaxVault applies the 2025 student loan interest cap and MAGI phaseout automatically.
Step 3 of 3
Your Estimate
Print a PDF copy from your browser, export a review packet, shareable support snapshot, or local audit trail, or clear the page when you are done.
Estimate Only
These numbers are for planning only. Do not use them to file a return or decide a payment.
Local Draft Return
Draft Form 1040 Preview
Built from TaxVault's current 1040 line mapping for review only. Print from your browser if you want a local PDF copy.
Draft • Do Not File
U.S. Individual Income Tax Return
TaxVault local draft for review only. Not an official IRS filing copy.
Form 1040
Safety & Scope
Review these limits before relying on the estimate.
Tax Breakdown
Review this before relying on the estimate.
SSA-1099 Social Security Benefit Statements
Use the guide below to find the two numbers from your SSA-1099.
This form only needs the benefits box and withholding box.
If you and your spouse each received an SSA-1099, enter one card for each form.