Freedom Edition supports most federal and state tax forms.
TurboTax Freedom Edition, available through the Free File Alliance, can e-file both federal and state tax returns for qualified taxpayers at no cost. To qualify, you’ll need to have made less than $100,000, have no substantial medical bills and not claim any rental, investment or business income. TurboTax experts and other online contributors are available to answer questions 24/7. You’ll answer TurboTax’s questions to work through your return and electronically file (e-file) when you’re done. You can upload your W-2 as a file or just snap a photo, and the TurboTax software can automatically populate the right fields. TurboTaxYou can use TurboTax’s Federal Free Edition software to file your 1040 EZ and 1040A federal tax returns and state tax returns. You’ll need your 2015 tax return, and this option will not include state tax preparation. These forms are accessible from the IRS website and come with basic guidance. IRS Free File Fillable FormsIf you’re comfortable completing your taxes yourself, but paper forms aren’t your thing, you can use Free File Fillable Forms, which are electronic versions. Remember, if you do your taxes on your own, you’ll be responsible for any mistakes and won’t get the benefit of software that hunts down tax credits and deductions on your behalf. “This can be great for single filers with one job and not a lot of itemized deductions.” “If your taxes are relatively straightforward, you can always print the appropriate documentation from the IRS website and send them back completed,” Jayson Mullin, founder of Top Tax Defenders, a tax debt relief service in Houston, said.
(Note: While the forms and filing are free, this method does require you pay for postage.) You can find your appropriate tax return forms on the IRS website or at public locations like post offices and libraries. IRS Paper FormsThe most basic option available is to fill out the IRS paper tax forms and file them by mail. Want to find the right one for you? Check out each solution in detail below. We include Free File Alliance solutions available through the IRS website and solutions offered independently.
With that in mind, we’ve compiled what we consider the ultimate guide to filing your taxes for free - a list of almost 20 ways you could file your federal and/or state taxes at no cost. And not doing so can do more damage than you may think: unpaid taxes can result in a tax lien, which can damage your credit. Paying taxes isn’t fun, but it’s something we all have to do. Also, certain free file offers must be accessed from the IRS website.)
If you were an active duty service member in 2016 and had an adjusted gross income, or AGI, of $64,000 or less, you may qualify even if you don’t meet the civilian income requirements listed here - make sure to check the provider’s website for details. (Note: Most solutions with income restrictions have special eligibility requirements for active duty military members. Many have strict eligibility requirements, but are perfectly suitable for straightforward tax returns.
Some of these solutions are offered by tax software providers in partnership with the IRS through the Free File Alliance, while others are a standard product offering. In addition, there are many state tax filing options that are free or low-cost. In fact, a wide variety of free federal tax solutions can help qualifying taxpayers file their 2016 tax returns without paying a cent. - If you bristle at the idea of having to pay to file your taxes, you’ll probably be happy to know that 70 percent of all taxpayers are eligible to prepare and file their federal tax return for free, according to the IRS.