Free File offers two options: easy-to-use software or online fillable forms.
Free File software is for taxpayers who earn $58,000 or less
Nearly 100 million Americans – that's 70 percent of the nation's taxpayers –
can use the free brand-name software and secure e-filing offered by
private-sector companies. Several software products also are in Spanish. Each
company sets its eligibility requirements, generally based on income, age or
state residency. However, if your adjusted gross income was $58,000 or less in
2010, you will find at least one tax software product to use.
Here's how it works: You must access Free File through the IRS website. At
http://www.irs.gov/freefile, you can use an online tool which allows you to
give a little information about yourself and the tool will guide you to the
software for which you are eligible. Or, you can review the complete list of
companies and their offerings and make a selection.
Once you select a software product, you will be directed away from the IRS
website to that company's website. There, the software generally will offer a
step-by-step guide through the tax preparation process.
Free File does all the hard work. You don't need to be a tax expert; the
software will help find tax breaks, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit, that
you may be due. The software asks the questions; you supply the answers. It will
find the right tax forms and do the math. Free File has a high satisfaction rate
among its users, 98% recommend it to others. Combine e-file and direct deposit
and you get your refund in as few as 10 days.
A word about security: all Free File companies use the latest is secure
technology. The safety of taxpayer information is everyone's priority. Thirty
million taxpayers have used Free File since 2003, safely and securely.
Some companies provide state tax return software – sometimes for free and
sometimes for a fee. Some states also have a relationship with the Free File
Alliance and those states are listed on the companies' websites.
Free File Fillable Forms Is Another Free Option
For people who make more than $58,000 or who are comfortable preparing their
own tax return, there is Free File Fillable Forms. It also must be accessed
through
http://www.irs.gov/freefile. There is no software assistance with Free File
Fillable Forms. It does basic math calculations. It does not support state
income tax returns. It is perfect for the true do-it-yourself taxpayer who has
preferred paper tax returns in the past. It also has free e-filing.
Link:
YouTube Videos:
Let Free File do the hard work for you:
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