Yes, filing a 3-NDFL declaration can be a real challenge for many people, especially if it's their first time doing it. The key is not to panic and to understand the basic concepts.
Firstly, you need to pay taxes on income that was not taxed at source, such as when you sell an apartment or a car, receive income from renting out an apartment, win a lottery (if the prize exceeds 4,000 rubles), or receive income from abroad. If you are an employee, your employer will handle the taxation process for you, and you won't need to submit a declaration.
To calculate the correct tax amount, you need to take your income and deduct any eligible expenses (such as the cost of purchasing the apartment you sold), and then pay 13% (or 15% if your income exceeds 5 million rubles per year) of the difference. For tax deductions, the process is reversed: you need to collect receipts, contracts, and certificates and claim the amount you want to be refunded.
The key rule is to provide proof of your expenses or deductions, such as contracts, receipts, bank statements, and brokerage reports. Without this documentation, the tax authorities may not accept your expenses or deductions. Additionally, remember to submit your declaration by April 30 of the following year and pay the tax by July 15.
If you have any questions, you can always consult the taxpayer's personal account on the Federal Tax Service website or seek assistance from a professional. The key is to stay organized and not wait until the last minute.