So you haven’t done your taxes yet, right? No problem. Now there's a
new way you can use top performing tax software programs like H&R
Block and TurboTax to prepare your taxes quickly and easily. Best of
all, it won’t cost you a thing.
The real secret is an IRS program called Free File that allows you
to prepare and file your federal tax return electronically using
these top tax software choices, and dozens of other popular tax
software brands for free!
The Free File program has been around for a few years, but it used
to have very stringent income requirements that limited the income
qualifications to taxpayers whose incomes were below a certain
level.
These day's the service is opened up to 99% of taxpayers with
simple returns.
The
IRS
Free File web site is the spot to sign up to use this free way
of filing you federal tax return. Note: this is really a basic
filing format that limits qualifying returns to those that don't
require special forms for investments and itemized deductions.
For
more complicated returns needing the extra support, we recommend
market leaders H&R Block or TurboTax for the extra guidance for
special tax forms.
On the Free File website you’ll want to click the gray button at the
bottom of the page that says, “Start Now” where you’ll have the
option of browsing all the services offered or choosing to use the
“Guide Me to a Service” wizard to help you select what will work
best for your filing needs.
The wizard asks a few basic questions
about your income and income to suggest list of companies for tax
software brands whose free products meet your filing requirements.
Should these Free File
options not work for you, there are still Free Edition options from
these software brands that can be used directly through their own
websites.
The big tax companies participate in offering the FreeFile program
in order to be readily available should you need to upgrade to one
of their deluxe products that offer
more robust support for additional filing needs.
Additional support can be
beneficial for things like advanced tax planning advice, the ability to import data from
employers and software you used the previous year, as well as extra
support for investments and deductions.
State tax programs are not included
under Free File, so these
companies participate so that you can use their free federal program
then end up buying their state program to prepare your state tax
filing.
