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Tax Forms Scavenger Hunt

Master tax form navigation with interactive exercises and visual guides

🎯 Understanding Tax Forms

Tax forms can be overwhelming, but knowing where to find key information is crucial for completing your FAFSA accurately. This interactive scavenger hunt will help you master the most important tax forms and locate essential information.

📊 Key Tax Forms You'll Learn

📄 Form 1040

The main tax return form where you'll find Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) and Federal Income Tax Paid.

💼 W-2 Forms

Wage and tax statements from employers showing wages earned and taxes withheld.

🏢 Schedule C

For self-employed individuals reporting business income and expenses.

🔍 What You'll Learn to Find

💰 Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)

Line 11 on Form 1040 - crucial for FAFSA calculations

🏛️ Federal Income Tax Paid

Line 24 on Form 1040 - the amount you actually paid

💵 Wages and Salaries

Box 1 on W-2 forms - your gross income

🏪 Self-Employment Income

Net profit from Schedule C - business income

🎮 Ready to Test Your Knowledge?

Put your tax form knowledge to the test with our interactive scavenger hunt! Earn points, unlock achievements, and master the essential information you need for FAFSA.

6 questions • Earn up to 900+ points • 5 achievements to unlock
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📄 Interactive Tax Forms

Click on the highlighted areas to learn about different sections of tax forms. Practice finding key information for your FAFSA.

Form 1040
U.S. Individual Income Tax Return

Income

1 Wages, salaries, tips, etc.
2a Taxable interest
3a Qualified dividends
7 Wages, salaries, tips, etc.

Adjusted Gross Income

11 Adjusted gross income

Tax and Credits

16 Tax (see instructions)
24 Federal income tax withheld from Forms W-2 and 1099

📖 Tax Form Visual Guide

Comprehensive visual guide to understanding tax forms and locating key information for FAFSA completion.

📄 Form 1040 - Key Lines

Line 11 - Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)
Most important for FAFSA - this is your AGI
Line 24 - Federal Income Tax Paid
Amount you actually paid in federal taxes
Line 1 - Wages, Salaries, Tips
Total wages from all W-2 forms

💼 W-2 Form - Key Boxes

Box 1 - Wages, Tips, Other Compensation
Your gross wages before taxes
Box 2 - Federal Income Tax Withheld
Federal taxes withheld from your pay
Box 3 - Social Security Wages
Wages subject to Social Security tax

🏢 Schedule C - Self-Employment

Line 7 - Gross Receipts or Sales
Total business income before expenses
Line 31 - Net Profit or Loss
Business income after expenses (for FAFSA)

⚠️ Common Mistakes

❌ Using W-2 Box 2 instead of 1040 Line 24
W-2 shows withholding, 1040 shows actual tax paid
❌ Confusing Gross Income with AGI
AGI (Line 11) is after deductions, not gross income
❌ Missing Self-Employment Income
Schedule C net profit must be included in FAFSA