Imagine paying additional expenses to file your taxes when you are qualified to do that for free, from hiring professionals to paying heavily for tax software. This is what happens to the majority of US citizens when it’s tax filing season.
You can file your own taxes by taking advantage of free provisions made available by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
The IRS, in alliance with some tax-filing software programs and nonprofit organiasations offers free ways to file your taxes. Depending on which category you fall under or on your eligibility, here are 7 ways to file taxes for free.
How to File Taxes for Free
Direct File
The IRS has introduced a new tool to help you file federal taxes directly with the IRS. Though this is a new tool, the pilot run is only available to individuals in certain eligible states who have just simple tax needs and report certain types of income, credits, and deductions. The eligible states are: Arizona, California, Florida, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming. Follow these links: https://directfile.irs.gov/ or https://www.irs.gov/about-irs/strategic-plan/direct-file#income to check other eligibility requirements and start filing your taxes.
IRS Free File
The IRS Free File Program is a public-private partnership between the IRS and many tax preparation and filing software companies. The IRS, in partnership with these companies, offers two options for individual tax filers to file their taxes for free using tax preparation software. These are the Guided Tax Software and Fillable Forms.
- Guided Tax Software: taxpayers whose Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is $79,000 or less can make use of this provision. This option allows the software to do the work. All you need to do is choose among the trusted IRS partners you qualify for and start filing. It also offers accurate math calculations and the option to file your federal return in Spanish. Some partners also offer free state tax preparation and filing.
- Fillable Forms: This option is similar to Form 1040 and is available for taxpayers of any income level. (AGI of 79,000 and above). To use this option, you must know how to file your own tax and make the necessary math calculations yourself while following the instructions, as it provides no guidance with limited calculations. This option also does not include state tax filing.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
This is a program that provides free tax preparation and filing to low and moderate-income earners and offers help to people who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns, like the elderly, disabled individuals, and limited English speakers. To qualify for this provision, you must be in at least one of the mentioned categories and earn a maximum of $64,000. These programs are trusted and reliable as they are operated by IRS partners and are handled by volunteers who must be trained and have taken and passed tax law training that meets or exceeds IRS standards.
Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE)
In addition to VITA, TCE is also a program that helps provide free tax preparation to the elderly, those who are 60 years of age and older with pension and retirement-related issues. Just like VITA, the individuals handling this program are trained and IRS-certified volunteers. They also provide tax counseling and are often retired individuals associated with non-profit organizations that receive grants from the IRS.
VITA and TCE centers are generally located at libraries, schools, community and neighborhood centers, shopping malls, and other convenient locations across the country. To find the nearest VITA or TCE center close to you, click here: VITA Locator Tool.
Get Your Refund
This is a nonprofit service provided by Code for America in alliance with the IRS. They virtually connect eligible taxpayers with IRS-certified volunteers who can help you with your returns. If you earn $66,000 and below, then you are qualified for this service. This organization also offers a “file myself” option where taxpayers who make under $79,000 are connected to their partner software via their website for self-filing. This includes free state returns and you don’t need a copy of your Social Security number to use the service. The entire process may last up to two to three weeks from start to finish.
MilTax
Miltax is a free tax preparation service provided by the Department of Defense to help members with their taxes. This program can be assessed from anywhere, and there is no income limit or requirement to qualify. The software is easy to use and also provides 100% accurate math calculations. MilTax is available to service members (new, current, or retired) and their immediate families. It covers almost all service branches, including the Army, the Marine Corps, the Navy, the National Guard, the Air Force, and the Space Force.
If you need face-to-face assistance, you can find MilTax at any VITA centers around you or on base.
Free Online Softwares Programs
There are online tax preparation and filing software programs that offer free federal and state filing for simple tax returns. Individuals with more complicated tax cases will need to upgrade to premium versions to be able to file successfully. However, those with simple tax returns can take advantage of these software programs. You can find the one that’s right for you, that suits your needs, and start preparing your taxes.
Manual Paper Form
Another way to file taxes yourself at no cost is to do it manually. You can print out the forms or pick them up from any Taxpayer Assistance Center” around you, like at your local library, fill them out, and mail them to the IRS. Though this method might take a longer amount of time to get a response.
List of IRS Partner Companies
Here are 8 IRS-free online tax preparation service options for you, depending on your eligibility.
- TaxSlayer
- 1040NOW
- FileYourTaxes
- OLT Online Taxes
- ezTaxReturn
- TaxAct
- FreeTaxUSA
- 1040.com
Conclusion
It is tax season, and the IRS, in alliance with some tax preparation software, has made it easy for taxpayers to file and prepare their own taxes for free or get help in filing them for free. You do not need to pay for professional services when help is available. Make use of any of these provisions before the deadline. The online service is accessible via mobile, tablet, laptop, or desktop and is available in both English and Spanish.