Guide to Genius Academy
DIY Taxes
for Beginners
Prepare for Tax Season With Confidence
A beginner-friendly course that teaches you how to gather your documents, organize your records, understand basic tax terms, and walk into tax season feeling prepared — step by step.
About This Course
Tax Season Does Not Have to
Feel Overwhelming
What documents do I even need?
What is the difference between a W-2 and a 1099?
How do I track my business income and expenses?
What receipts should I be saving?
Should I use tax software or hire someone?
DIY Taxes for Beginners was created to help you understand the basics in a simple, step-by-step way — so you can organize your documents, track your records, avoid common mistakes, and feel more confident going into tax season.
Who This Is For
This Course Is Perfect For You
What You'll Learn
Inside This Course
Course Curriculum
10 Lessons to Help You
Prepare With Confidence
Each lesson is designed to be simple, clear, and actionable. No confusing tax jargon — just practical steps you can follow at your own pace.
Tax Season Basics
Learn what tax season means, why people file taxes, key deadlines to know, and why staying organized throughout the year matters.
Gather Your Tax Documents
Learn what documents may be needed — including W-2s, 1099s, bank information, business records, receipts, and income statements — and how to find them.
Income Explained
Understand the difference between W-2 income, 1099 income, self-employment income, side hustle income, and business income — and why it matters for your taxes.
Business Expenses & Deduction Basics
Learn what business expenses are, why receipts matter, what kinds of expenses may be relevant, and why keeping records throughout the year is so important.
Organizing Receipts & Records
Learn how to create a simple system for receipts, invoices, mileage, subscriptions, supplies, payments, and business documents so nothing gets lost.
Common Tax Season Mistakes
Learn the most common beginner mistakes — mixing personal and business money, losing receipts, forgetting income sources, and waiting until the last minute.
Tax Software vs. Tax Professional
Understand when someone may be able to use tax software and when it may be better to contact a qualified tax professional, CPA, or enrolled agent.
Before You File Checklist
Review names, Social Security numbers, income forms, dependents, banking information, business income, expenses, and important documents before you file.
After You File
Learn how to save copies of your return, track your refund, organize your records for next year, and set yourself up for a smoother tax season ahead.
Year-Round Tax Readiness
Learn simple monthly habits — tracking income, saving receipts, reviewing expenses — that can make next tax season significantly easier.
What's Included
Everything in the Course
Pricing
Simple, One-Time Pricing
Tax Course Only
DIY Taxes for Beginners
Prepare for tax season with confidence. Gather documents, organize records, understand income types, and avoid common mistakes.
Bundle — Best Value
Business + Tax Season Starter Bundle
Get both courses together — start your business the smart way and prepare for tax season with confidence. The complete beginner learning path.
The Approach
Three Things This Course Helps You Do
Get Organized
Learn how to gather your documents, organize receipts, and build a simple system that works year-round — not just at tax time.
Understand the Basics
Learn the difference between income types, what business expenses are, and what basic tax terms actually mean in plain language.
Prepare With Confidence
Walk into tax season knowing what to expect, what to bring, and what questions to ask — whether you file yourself or work with a professional.
Free Resource
Download the Free Tax Season Starter Checklist
Not ready to enroll yet? Start with the free checklist.
The Tax Season Starter Checklist helps you see what documents to gather, what records to organize, and what to review before you file. Enter your email to receive the free checklist and updates about Guide to Genius Academy courses and resources.
About the Instructor
Meet Your Guide
Maddy K. Books is the creator of Guide to Genius, a brand focused on books, business, learning, personal growth, and practical money skills.
With over 28 years of experience in tax, accounting, business-to-business services, personal taxes, and business management, Maddy teaches in a simple, beginner-friendly way — no jargon, no judgment.
Guide to Genius Academy was created for people who want clear steps, practical tools, and encouragement without feeling overwhelmed.
28+
Years of experience in tax, accounting & business management
"Her goal is to help everyday people feel more confident about business, money, taxes, online income, and building a better future."
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Want More?
Add the Business Course & Save
The Business + Tax Season Starter Bundle includes both courses at the best value. Learn how to start your business and prepare for tax season together — the complete beginner learning path.
Important Disclaimer
Guide to Genius Academy courses are for educational and informational purposes only. The information provided does not replace professional tax, legal, accounting, or financial advice. Tax laws, forms, deductions, credits, filing requirements, and software may change. Students are responsible for reviewing their own personal situation and consulting a qualified tax professional, CPA, enrolled agent, attorney, accountant, or financial advisor when needed. Guide to Genius Academy does not guarantee tax refunds, tax savings, business approval, business success, income results, or financial outcomes.