If you just filed your taxes – nice work! That’s a big step in adulting. Whether you got a refund, owed a little, or just followed directions and hit “submit,” you’re already ahead of the game.
So… now what?
Here are a few smart (and easy) things to do after you file your taxes:
Check your refund (or what you owe)
Did you get money back? That means you paid more in taxes than you needed to. It’s not bad – it just means you gave the government a small loan, and now they’re paying it back.
If you owed money this year, don’t stress. But next time, you might want to have a little more taken out of your paycheck, so you’re not stuck with a surprise.
Use your refund wisely
It’s tempting to blow your refund on something fun – and you should treat yourself a little! But saving part of it is a smart move. You could:
- Start an emergency fund
- Put it toward future college costs
- Pay off a little debt (like a credit card)
- Save for something big (like a car)
Even setting aside $50–$100 makes a difference.
Save your tax paperwork
Keep a copy of your tax return and any W-2 or 1099 forms in a safe place. If you file again next year (and you probably will), it’ll make things way easier.
- Pro tip: Create a folder on your computer or phone to snap pics or save PDFs of important stuff.
Think about next year
Okay, you don’t need to stress about next year yet. But if you got a huge refund or owed a lot, you can ask your job to change how much tax they take out of your paycheck. It’s called updating your W-4 – it’s quick and easy, and your HR person can help.
Bottom line: You did the hard part
Filing taxes can be confusing the first time, so if you made it through – high five. 🙌 A little follow-up now will keep you on track and make next year even easier.
And hey… welcome to the grown-up money club!
Ready to take the next step?
Open a Teen Checking account with Rize and start managing your money like a pro. It’s built just for teens – with tools to track spending, save smart, and get paid faster.