Filing Taxes

Learn how to talk about tax returns, deadlines, and deductions with ease. Practice useful phrases to report income, claim expenses, and understand refunds.

Practise Listening – Reading – Speaking – Writing for IELTS. Build real-life English and feel more confident!

Learning Flow in This Unit:

1. Understand – listen to a dialogue and learn key vocabulary
2. Practice – complete vocabulary exercises
3. Use – apply the vocabulary in speaking and writing tasks
4. Check – see the answers below the exercises

📖 Stage 1 – Understand the Vocabulary

1️⃣ Listening for the main idea

Listen to the dialogue and choose the best answer.

Focus on the general topic and main message of the conversation. Do not worry about understanding every word.

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1. What documents did Ana bring to Josh to prepare her tax return?

2. When is the usual deadline for filing taxes?

3. What does Josh suggest Ana consider regarding filing her taxes due to her recent marriage?

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Josh (tax preparer): Good morning, Ana! How can I assist you today?

Ana (client): Hi, Josh. I need help preparing my tax return. I’m not sure where to start.

Josh: No problem at all, Ana. Let’s start by gathering all your documents. Do you have your income statement and any other relevant paperwork?

Ana: Yes, I have my income statement handy. I also have some receipts for deductions I want to claim.

Josh: Great! Let’s go over everything. *reviewing documents* Okay, it looks like we have everything we need. Now, we’ll need to figure out if you’re eligible for any deductions or credits.

Ana: Sounds good. What’s the deadline for filing my taxes?

Josh: The deadline is usually April 15th, but it can vary. Let’s aim to have everything ready well before then to avoid any rush.

Ana: Will I owe any taxes this year?

Josh: Let’s see. *calculating* Based on your income and deductions, it looks like you’ll be due for a refund this year.

Ana: That’s a relief. How long does it usually take to receive the refund?

Josh: Typically, if you file electronically and choose direct deposit, you can expect to receive your refund within a few weeks.

Ana: Perfect. Oh, by the way, I got married last year. Should I file jointly with my spouse?

Josh: That’s an important consideration. Let’s discuss the pros and cons of filing jointly versus separately to see which option is best for you and your spouse.

Ana: Okay, sounds good.

Josh: Lastly, would you like a hard copy of your tax return for your records?

Ana: Yes, please. I prefer to have a physical copy as well.

Josh: Noted. I’ll make sure to provide you with one. Alright, Ana, we’re on track to get your taxes sorted out. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask.

Ana: Thank you so much, Josh. I really appreciate your help.

Josh: You’re welcome, Ana. It’s my pleasure. Let’s get started on your tax return right away.

Ana: Alright, let’s do it!

Josh: Great! Let’s dive in.

2️⃣ Listening for details

Listen to the dialogue again and decide if the statements below are True or False.

This time, listen carefully for specific information, such as reasons, opinions, or examples mentioned by the speakers.

1. Ana does not have any documents with her for her tax return.
2. Ana brings her income statement and receipts for deductions.
3. The tax filing deadline is always May 1st.
4. Josh says the deadline is usually April 15th.
5. Josh tells Ana she will definitely owe taxes this year.
6. Josh says Ana will likely receive a refund.
7. Refunds usually take several months to arrive.
8. Josh suggests Ana consider filing jointly with her spouse.
9. Josh tells Ana there are no advantages to filing jointly.
10. Ana prefers to receive a hard copy of her tax return.

3️⃣ Vocabulary matching

Match the words or expressions with their correct definitions.

Read each word carefully and choose the definition that best explains its meaning in the context of the topic.

1. income statement	A. To start doing something quickly and with full attention
2. relevant paperwork	B. A printed version of a document
3. a receipt for deductions	C. To be allowed or qualified for something
4. to claim	D. To carefully review something
5. go over (documents etc.)	E. To be required to pay money to someone
6. to figure out	F. To submit taxes together with your spouse
7. eligible for	G. Documents related to a specific situation
8. the deadline for	H. A document showing money earned
9. to avoid any rush	I. To solve or organize something successfully
10. owe	J. To calculate or understand something
11. a refund	K. A document used to reduce taxable income
12. file jointly	L. The final date when something must be done
13. a hard copy of	M. To request something you are entitled to
14. to get sth sorted out	N. Money returned after paying too much tax
15. dive in	O. To prevent last-minute stress or delay

✏️ Stage 2 – Practice the Vocabulary

4️⃣ Gap fill 

Complete the sentences using the words from the list.

Use each word once. Choose the word that best fits the meaning and grammar of the sentence.

income statement • relevant paperwork • receipt for deductions • claim • go over • figure out • eligible • deadline • avoid any rush • owe • refund • file jointly • hard copy • get sth sorted out • dive in

1. Before we start, let’s ________ and check all your documents.
2. Ana brought her ________ to show how much she earned last year.
3. You may be ________ for a tax credit if your income is low.
4. The ________ for filing taxes is April 15th.
5. It’s better to start early to ________.
6. I need to ________ how much tax I will have to pay.
7. You can ________ certain expenses to reduce your taxes.
8. Please bring all your ________ to the meeting.
9. The bank will ________ the issue as soon as possible.
10. They decided to ________ instead of filing separately.
11. I will send you a ________ of your tax return for your records.
12. Josh helped Ana ________ the situation quickly.
13. Let’s ________ and begin preparing your tax return.
14. Ana expects a tax ________ this year.
15. Keep your ________ for any expenses you want to claim.

5️⃣ Collocations exercise

Some words often appear together in natural English. Choose the word that forms the correct expression.

income • paperwork • receipt • claim • go • figure • eligible • deadline • rush • owe • refund • file • copy • sorted • dive

1. ________ statement
2. relevant ________
3. ________ for deductions
4. to ________ something
5. ________ over documents
6. to ________ out a problem
7. ________ for a tax credit
8. the ________ for filing
9. avoid any ________
10. to ________ money
11. tax ________
12. to ________ jointly
13. hard ________
14. get something ________ out
15. ________ in and start

6️⃣ Word forms exercise

Complete the table with the correct word forms.

Fill in the missing verb, noun, adjective, or adverb forms of the words.

Verb	Adverb	Adjective	Noun
solve
process
verify
adjust

7️⃣ Paraphrasing / sentence transformation

Rewrite the sentences using the word in brackets.

Keep the same meaning, but change the structure of the sentence.

This exercise helps you learn different ways to express the same idea.

1. The bank will carefully check the issue. (investigate)
2. There is a possible answer to this problem. (solution)
3. The system will handle your payment. (process)
4. The bank will check your identity documents. (verify)
5. You may need to change your budget. (adjust)
6. The bank checked the problem in detail. (investigation)
7. This problem can be fixed easily. (solvable)
8. The application has been completed. (processed)
9. They will confirm the information. (verified)
10. You should change your spending habits. (adjustment)

8️⃣ Error correction

Each sentence contains one mistake. Find the mistake and correct it.

This exercise helps you improve accuracy and natural vocabulary use.

1. The bank will investigates the issue carefully.
2. There is a solution of this problem.
3. The payment has been processing already.
4. The bank will verified your documents.
5. You need to make an adjust to your budget.
6. The company started an investigative into the issue.
7. This problem is very solveable.
8. The application has been process.
9. The bank will adjustment your account.
10. They are working on verify the information.

🗣️ Stage 3 – Use the Vocabulary

9️⃣ IELTS Speaking tasks.

Practice using new vocabulary in IELTS Speaking Parts 1-2-3:

Answer the questions using vocabulary from this unit.

Part 1 (4-5 minutes):

1. What is your name? /give your full name: first name and last name/
2. What shall I call you?
3. Can I see your ID, please?

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1. Where is your hometown?
2. What is your hometown like?
3. Do you like your hometown?
4. Do you often visit your hometown? Why or why not?

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Let’s talk about neighbours. 

1. Do you like your neighbours? Why or why not?
2. What is your neighbourhood like?
3. How could your neighbourhood be improved?
4. Do you think it is important to have good neighbours? Why or why not?

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Let’s talk about noise.

1. Do you live in a noisy area?
2. What kinds of sounds do you hear every day?
3. Do you have any noise friends?
4. Are there loud sounds that you find pleasant?

Part 2 (2-3 minutes):

Describe a time when you had a problem with your bank account or money.

You should say:

• what the problem was
• when it happened
• what you did to solve it
• and explain how you felt about the situation

You have 1 minute to take notes. You should speak for 2 minutes.

Part 3 (5-6 minutes):

Answer the following questions. Give reasons and examples.

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First, let’s consider banking and financial Problems

1. Why do some people find it difficult to manage their money?
2. How can people improve their money management skills?
3. Do you think it is better to save money or spend it? Why?

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Let’s now discuss money management and responsibility

1. Why do some people find it difficult to manage their money?
2. Should financial education be taught in schools? Why or why not?
3. How can technology help people manage their money better?
4. Do you think young people today are careful with money? Why?
5. What are the consequences of poor money management?

🔟IELTS Writing tasks

Task 1 (IELTS General Training): Write at least 150 words. You have 20 minutes to plan – write – proofread your task. 

You recently noticed an unauthorized transaction on your bank account.

Write a letter to your bank. In your letter:

• explain what the problem is
• give details of the transaction
• say what you would like the bank to do

✍️ Suggested Approach:

🔹 Structure (4 paragraphs)

1. Opening (purpose)

• State why you are writing

2. Problem (details)

• What happened? (date, amount, type of transaction)

3. Action needed

• Ask the bank to investigate / refund / verify

4. Closing

• Polite request + expectation

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Task 2: Write at least 250 words. You have 40 minutes to plan – write – proofread your task. 

Many people today find it difficult to manage their money and often go into debt.

What are the reasons for this problem, and what measures can be taken to solve it?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Suggested Approach:

✍️ Essay Plan (Problem–Solution)

1. Introduction

• Paraphrase topic
• Say: reasons + solutions

2. Body 1 – Reasons

• High cost of living
• Easy access to credit / overspending

👉 Add 1 short example

3. Body 2 – Solutions

• Financial education
• Better personal habits (budgeting, saving)

4. Conclusion

• Summarise both parts

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💡 Tip

👉 Write 2 reasons + 2 solutions only for a clear, strong essay.

ANSWERS 

EXERCISE 1:

1. What documents did Ana bring to Josh to prepare her tax return?

Ana brought her income statement and receipts for deductions she wants to claim.

2. When is the usual deadline for filing taxes?

The usual deadline is April 15th, although it can sometimes vary.

3. What does Josh suggest Ana consider regarding filing her taxes due to her recent marriage?

Josh suggests that Ana consider whether it is better to file jointly or separately with her spouse, and to discuss the pros and cons of each option.

EXERCISE 2:

1. False – Ana does have documents (income statement and receipts).
2. True – She brings both her income statement and receipts.
3. False – Josh says it is usually April 15th, not May 1st.
4. True – He confirms the deadline is usually April 15th.
5. False – Josh calculates she will likely receive a refund.
6. True – He says she is due for a refund.
7. False – Refunds usually take a few weeks, not several months.
8. True – Josh suggests considering filing jointly or separately.
9. False – Josh says they will discuss pros and cons, meaning there may be advantages.
10. True – Ana asks for a physical copy.

EXERCISE 3:

1 – H
2 – G
3 – K
4 – M
5 – D
6 – J
7 – C
8 – L
9 – O
10 – E
11 – N
12 – F
13 – B
14 – I
15 – A

EXERCISE 4:

1. go over
2. income statement
3. eligible
4. deadline
5. avoid any rush
6. figure out
7. claim
8. relevant paperwork
9. get sth sorted out
10. file jointly
11. hard copy
12. get sth sorted out
13. dive in
14. refund
15. receipt for deductions

EXERCISE 5:

1. income
2. paperwork
3. receipt
4. claim
5. go
6. figure
7. eligible
8. deadline
9. rush
10. owe
11. refund
12. file
13. copy
14. sorted
15. dive

EXERCISE 6:

Verb	Adverb	Adjective	Noun
Solve	—	solvable	solution
Process	—	processed	Process
Verify	—	verified	verification
Adjust	adjustably	adjustable	Adjustment

EXERCISE 7:

1. The bank will investigate the issue carefully.
2. There is a possible solution to this problem.
3. The system will process your payment.
4. The bank will verify your identity documents.
5. You may need to adjust your budget.
6. The bank carried out an investigation into the problem.
7. This problem is solvable.
8. The application has been processed.
9. The information has been verified.
10. You should make an adjustment to your spending habits.

EXERCISE 8:

1. The bank will investigate the issue carefully.
2. There is a solution to this problem.
3. The payment has already been processed.
4. The bank will verify your documents.
5. You need to make an adjustment to your budget.
6. The company started an investigation into the issue.
7. This problem is very solvable.
8. The application has been processed.
9. The bank will adjust your account.
10. They are working on verifying the information.