Free Tax Filing

Free tax filing season can be stressful and expensive for many people. You may have to deal with complicated forms, confusing rules, and hefty fees. You may also worry about making mistakes, missing deadlines, or owing money to the IRS.

But what if you could file your taxes for free? Yes, you read that right. There are several options available for free tax filing that can help you save money and time on your taxes. Whether you have a simple or complex tax situation, whether you need guidance or prefer to do it yourself, there is a free tax filing option that suits your needs.

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In this blog post, we will explore some of the best free tax filing options that you can use for the 2023 tax season. We will also share some tips and resources to help you prepare and file your taxes with ease and confidence.

What Are the Benefits of Free Tax Filing?

Free tax filing can offer you many benefits, such as:

  • Saving money: Free tax filing can help you avoid paying fees to a tax preparer or a tax software provider. Depending on the service you choose, you could save anywhere from $20 to $200 or more on your tax filing costs.
  • Saving time: Free tax filing can help you complete and submit your tax return faster and easier than doing it manually. You can use online tools that guide you through the process, check for errors, and e-file your return electronically. You can also access your tax information anytime and anywhere from your computer or mobile device.
  • Getting refunds: Free tax filing can help you get your tax refunds sooner and more securely than mailing a paper return. If you e-file your return and choose direct deposit, you can receive your refund in as little as 21 days. You can also track the status of your refund online or by phone.
  • Getting credits: Free tax filing can help you claim all the tax credits and deductions that you are eligible for, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), the Child Tax Credit (CTC), or the Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC). These credits can reduce your tax liability or increase your refund amount.
  • Getting help: Free tax filing can provide you with assistance and support from qualified professionals or volunteers who can answer your questions, review your return, or resolve any issues. You can also access helpful resources and tips from the IRS or other reputable sources.

What Are the Best Free Tax Filing Options?

There are many free tax filing options available for different types of taxpayers, but some of the most popular ones are:

  • IRS Free File: IRS Free File is a program that offers free online guided tax preparation and filing for federal and some state returns if your adjusted gross income (AGI) was $73,000 or less in 20221. You can choose from several offers from participating providers, such as TaxAct, TaxSlayer, or TurboTax. Some offers also include free state returns or are available in Spanish. You can access IRS Free File through the IRS website2 until October 16, 2023.
  • Free Fillable Forms: Free Fillable Forms are electronic versions of IRS paper forms that anyone can use to file their federal return for free1. However, this option does not provide much guidance or support, so it is best suited for experienced taxpayers who are comfortable doing their own taxes. You also need to file your state return separately. You can access Free Fillable Forms through the IRS website2 until October 20, 2023.
  • Free Online Tax Software: Many major tax software providers offer a free version of their online products for people with simple tax situations, such as W-2 income, standard deduction, or EITC3. However, these versions may have limitations on what they can handle or charge extra fees for certain features or services. Some examples of free online tax software are H&R Block Free Online, Credit Karma Tax, or FreeTaxUSA.
  • Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA): VITA is a program that offers free in-person or virtual tax preparation and filing for low-to-moderate income taxpayers (generally $57,000 or less), persons with disabilities, limited English speakers, or older adults. VITA volunteers are trained and certified by the IRS to help with basic tax returns and credits. You can find a VITA site near you by using the VITA locator tool or calling 800-906-9887.
  • Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE): TCE is a program that offers free in-person or virtual tax preparation and filing for taxpayers who are 60 years of age or older. TCE volunteers are trained and certified by the IRS to help with tax issues related to retirement, pensions, or Social Security. You can find a TCE site near you by using the TCE locator tool or calling 800-906-9887.
  • MilTax: MilTax is a free tax service provided by the Department of Defense for active duty military members, veterans, and their families. MilTax offers free online tax software that can handle complex military tax situations, as well as free consultations with tax experts who understand military tax issues. You can access MilTax through the Military OneSource website or by calling 800-342-9647.

How to Choose the Right Free Tax Filing Option for You?

To choose the best free tax filing option for you, you should consider the following factors:

  • Your income: Your income level may determine your eligibility for certain free tax filing options, such as IRS Free File or VITA. You should check the income requirements for each option before you use it.
  • Your tax situation: Your tax situation may affect the complexity and accuracy of your tax return, as well as the amount of guidance and support you need. You should choose an option that can handle your specific tax needs, such as your filing status, dependents, income sources, deductions, credits, or state returns.
  • Your preference: Your preference may influence your comfort and convenience in filing your taxes. You should choose an option that matches your preferred mode of filing, such as online or in-person, self-prepared or assisted, or guided or independent.

How to Prepare and File Your Taxes for Free?

Once you have chosen your free tax filing option, you should follow these steps to prepare and file your taxes for free:

  • Gather your documents: You should gather all the documents and information that you need to file your taxes, such as your Social Security number, your income statements (such as W-2s or 1099s), your expense receipts (such as mortgage interest or medical bills), your bank account information (for direct deposit or payment), and your prior year tax return (for reference).
  • Access your option: You should access your chosen free tax filing option through the appropriate website, phone number, or location. You may need to create an account, sign in, or make an appointment before you can use the service.
  • Follow the instructions: You should follow the instructions provided by the service to complete and submit your tax return. You may need to answer some questions, enter some information, upload some documents, review some results, or sign some forms. You should also check for any errors or warnings before you file your return.
  • Confirm your submission: You should confirm that your tax return has been successfully submitted and received by the IRS. You should also keep a copy of your tax return and any confirmation messages for your records. You can track the status of your return and refund online using the Where’s My Refund? tool or by calling 800-829-1954.

Conclusion

Free tax filing is a great way to save money and time on your taxes. There are many free tax filing options available for different types of taxpayers, such as IRS Free File, Free Fillable Forms, Free Online Tax Software, VITA, TCE, or MilTax. You should choose the best option for you based on your income, tax situation, and preference. You should also follow the steps to prepare and file your taxes for free with ease and confidence.

We hope that this blog post has helped you understand how to file your taxes for free. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. We would love to hear from you and learn from your experiences. Thank you for reading and good luck with your taxes!

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