Looking to file your taxes for free! You are not alone and the government has certain requirements that can allow you to file your federal taxes for free, its called ‘Free File’. IRS Free File providers allow taxpayers to prepare and file your federal individual income tax return for free using tax-preparation-and-filing software. Each provider has some requirements for you to qualify. See below to see which one suits you.
Let Free File do the hard work for you with big box brand-name software or Free File Fillable Forms used to mail your federal return in. Free File is one of several ways that low income and older taxpayers can save money and file their taxes.
For taxpayers on a fixed income, every penny saved matters.
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax help to people who generally make $56,000 or less, persons with disabilities and limited English speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns. IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals.
In addition to VITA, the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program offers free tax help for all taxpayers, particularly those who are 60 years of age and older, specializing in questions about pensions and retirement-related issues unique to seniors. The IRS-certified volunteers who provide tax counseling are often retired individuals associated with non-profit organizations that receive grants from the IRS.
Know Your Protections Under the IRS Free File Program
- Get a free federal tax return – As long as you qualify for the Free File federal return offer, you must not be charged for preparation and e-filing of a federal tax return.
- Be protected from unnecessary fees – Other than state tax preparation fees and a possible fee if you choose to continue with tax preparation when you don’t qualify for the federal return offer, you must not be offered or solicited marketing, promotional rebates, or any other form of selling activity on the Free File company’s website. Any state preparation or non-qualifying fees must be disclosed on the company’s Free File landing page.
- Be guided in your choices – If you find you don’t qualify for a specific company’s Free File offer after visiting their Free File website, you may return to the IRS.gov Free File website to seek another Free File online offer. Each Free File company will provide you information when you don’t qualify, with the option to select a link to bring you back to IRS.gov Free File site to select another company.
- Get help if you need it – If you need help when you are on the company’s Free File website and doing your taxes, you may refer to the company’s free customer service options.
- Be reminded of Free File – If you used Free File last year, you should receive an email from the same company product that you used, welcoming you back to Free File. The email should include a link to the company’s Free File online program and explain how to file with the program.
- Be protected from bank product fees – As part of Free File, you must not be offered any bank products such as Refund Anticipation Loans or Refund Anticipation Checks.
- Get help finding a free option for you – IRS offers a Free File online Look-up tool to help you find an offer that best meets your needs.
- Get important information on possible charges for state returns – Many Free File online products offer free state tax preparation. Some charge a state fee. Be sure to read each company’s information carefully.
- Contact IRS – If you have a question about the IRS Free File Program contact us at freefile@irs.gov. The mailbox only handles suggestions, feedback or concerns about the Free File program. For questions about your Free File tax return or tax law contact your provider’s customer service. Non-Free File topics submitted will not receive a response. Do not email ANY personal information, such as a Social Security number or a home/office address.