Tax preparation isn’t cheap, but you can get free tax preparation if you know where to look. The IRS Free File program is a great option for many, but it's not the only way to get free tax filing.
Here are five ways to file your taxes for free.
What it is
IRS Free File is a partnership between the IRS and a nonprofit organization called the Free File Alliance. IRS Free File provides access to free guided tax preparation software from several tax-prep companies, including major brands such as TaxAct and TaxSlayer. Some Free File products are also available in Spanish. Taxpayers begin accessing Free File options via the IRS website Jan. 13.
Who is eligible
Generally, you must fall beneath a certain income level to qualify, and the IRS estimates that 70% of all taxpayers are eligible. To qualify for IRS Free File in 2023, taxpayers must have had an adjusted gross income of $73,000 or less in 2022. If your income is over the limit, IRS Free File also provides everyone with access to free fillable IRS forms that you can submit electronically at no additional cost. This option does not provide much tax guidance.
How it works
For best results, the IRS urges taxpayers to use their Free File Online Lookup Tool to get matched with a provider. The tool will run you through some basic questions about your filing status, age, home address, income and eligibility for certain credits. You can also manually browse through all the Free File offers.
The 2023 Free File program also includes free state return filing options for more than 20 states, And if you can't get a free state return out of IRS Free File, it may also be worth checking your state's department of revenue website to see if it offers a free filing service patterned after the federal one.
Where to get Free File
IRS.gov/freefile or via the IRS2Go app. Even though some providers may advertise themselves as Free File participants on their website, the only way to ensure you’re accessing a Free File offer is to go directly through the IRS first.
Many major tax software providers offer free tax preparation software for people with really simple tax situations. These packages may be different from what’s available via IRS Free File.
How each provider defines “simple tax return” will vary. Typically (but not always), these packages work for people who only have income from one job and aren’t itemizing on their tax returns.
Most free packages cover Form 1040 and may help you to claim credits such as the child tax credit or the earned income tax credit. State tax returns are usually also included in these free packages, though some software providers tend to add a fee for that as the tax-filing deadline nears.
Where to get it
Our tax software roundup compares free online tax software from some of the biggest providers such as TurboTax and H&R Block.
A federal grant program that helps community organizations provide free tax preparation to low- and moderate-income individuals, the disabled, older Americans, and limited-English speakers.
Who is eligible — Generally, the income limit to qualify for free tax help is $60,000.
Free tax preparation from local, IRS-certified volunteers. This might not work for you if your tax situation is complicated. For example, volunteers won’t prepare Schedule C with losses (sorry, freelancers), complicated Schedule Ds (sorry, investors) or forms associated with nondeductible IRA contributions or determinations of worker status (i.e., whether you’re technically an employee or an independent contractor).
Where to get it — The IRS website lists VITA sites across the country.
A federal grant program that helps community organizations provide free tax preparation with a focus on pension- and retirement-related tax issues.
Although the program was established to give free tax help to people 60 and older, and still prioritizes that demographic, there’s actually no minimum age requirement. Trained volunteers do the tax preparation.
Similar to VITA, community organizations and nonprofits use grant money to provide free tax preparation. Most TCE sites are operated by the AARP Foundation’s Tax-Aide program.
Where to get it — The IRS website lists TCE sites.
A Department of Defense program that provides free tax software from H&R Block, as well as financial and legal resources and other help to military members and their families.
In addition to free tax software, trained MilTax consultants can give free tax help by phone and via live chat. MilTax participates in the VITA program, which means you also can get face-to-face free tax help on base or nearby.
Head to Militaryonesource.mil to get the software, find helpline numbers and hours of operation and see if a nearby installation has a VITA site.
(Partially reprinted from nerdwallet.com)
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