Free tax filing with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is a free service offered by the U.S. government to assist eligible taxpayers in preparing and filing their tax returns. The Free File Alliance was established in 2003 based on the commitment of the Federal Business Administration to provide free tax preparation and filing services to qualified taxpayers since 2001.
Who is eligible for free tax filing with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)?
Eligibility for free tax filing with the IRS depends on your adjusted gross income (AGI). For example, if your AGI is $73,000 or less for 2021, you can use the free file software to prepare and file your tax return during the 2022 tax season. If your AGI is above the threshold, you can still access free fillable tax forms on the IRS website. However, you won’t receive the interactive and personalized assistance that the free tax filing provides.
Providers of free tax filing with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
The IRS typically partners with TaxAct, TaxSlayer, FreeTaxUSA, 1040NOW, ezTaxReturn.com, and others for the IRS free tax filing program. The IRS website allows you to browse all available providers, or you can answer a series of questions and be directed to a provider that may work for you.
Age and other restrictions for free tax filing
The IRS places annual limits and restrictions on the number of taxpayers that free tax filing software providers can serve, according to the Bipartisan Policy Center. As a result, some members of the alliance have imposed additional eligibility restrictions.
Overview of free tax filing with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
The IRS provides access to the tax preparation software of alliance members on its website. You are not required to use any specific provider – you can choose any provider that works best for your individual situation.
When January arrives, you can visit the IRS website to see if the free tax filing is ready. If it is, you can follow the steps below.
Click on the link for the service provider, and the IRS website will direct you to that provider so you can review the eligibility requirements and see exactly what each provider offers.
You will then need to create an account, and the software provider will guide you step by step in completing your tax return. You will need documents such as last year’s tax return, Social Security number, W-2 forms, and others to get started. The program will ask you a series of questions and look for tax credits and the best filing options based on your answers.
Each provider will electronically file your tax return, and you will receive an email receipt when it is accepted by the IRS. Both federal return preparation and filing are provided free of charge. You may also be able to file your state tax return for free, depending on your personal circumstances.
You can also make a free tax payment if you find you owe taxes. You can do this through IRS Direct Pay.
Free fillable tax forms
If your income exceeds the eligibility threshold with free tax filing software providers, the IRS also offers free fillable tax forms.
The biggest difference here is that you will not have helpful software guidance to assist you in completing these forms. These forms are still available online, but you will need to enter all the information yourself, so you should know where to put the information.
The forms automatically check for errors like free software programs, and they can only perform very simple calculations.
You can submit your return and the forms after they are fully completed. You do not need to print the forms and send them by mail.
If you are not comfortable filling out your return manually without guidance from software programs, you should choose another method to file your tax return.
Only fillable and free tax forms are available for federal tax returns. You cannot use this service to prepare your state tax return.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Free Tax Filing
Advantages
- Completely free
- A large number of people are eligible
- The program asks questions to help you fill out the forms correctly
- Taxpayers can file their return without needing to pay for a tax professional or software
- All entered information is protected from unauthorized access
- Customer service from software providers is also free
Disadvantages
- Some Internet service providers, security software, and web browsers may block access or cause compatibility issues with some software providers
- You may encounter problems or loss of information if you access fillable forms through your mobile device
- You may have to pay for preparing your state tax return if some software providers do not offer state setups for free
Browsers Compatible with Free Tax Filing from the IRS
Generally, Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Safari, and Mozilla Firefox are compatible with the free tax filing from the IRS.
You may also find yourself not computer-savvy if you don’t have enough experience using a computer, or if you’re using outdated equipment, such as an old browser. These issues can lead to printing and display problems. You will also need a valid email address.
The IRS recommends an Intel Core 2 Duo 1.8 GHz processor if you are using fillable forms and at least 1 GB of memory. You will need high-speed Internet access and Acrobat Reader 8.0 or later to print.
If you encounter problems, the IRS recommends trying another Internet service provider, another browser, or another computer. You can also contact the software provider – not the IRS.
Who Should Use the Free Tax Filing from the IRS?
Free tax filing is generally suitable for those with relatively simple tax situations. Software programs offer a variety of different tax forms, but only the most commonly used forms, so this program may not be suitable for you if your return includes:
- Filing obscure tax forms
- Inclusion of multiple schedules
- Inclusion of income from a business you own
You will also need to be comfortable with English. In 2021, only two software providers were set up to accommodate Spanish speakers.
If your tax situation is relatively simple, and you are comfortable with both software programs and the English language, free tax filing may be the best option to quickly and affordably file your tax return.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best free tax filing software from the IRS?
The free tax filing program is a nonprofit partnership between the public and private sectors, and the IRS publishes a list of participating tax preparation service providers each year. These providers are subject to the privacy and personal protection rules of the Federal Trade Commission and IRS electronic regulations. The IRS does not recommend one company over another.
When will free tax filing be available from the IRS?
The IRS typically opens the free tax filing program in January of the year following the tax year.
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Sources:
IRS. “Free File: About the Free File Alliance.”
Free File Alliance. “About the Free File Alliance: Serving the American Taxpayer.”
Bipartisan Policy Center. “The IRS and Free File: Three Lessons About the Tax System.”
IRS. “Free File: Do Your Federal Taxes for Free.”
Benefits.gov. “Free File.”
IRS. “Free Fillable Forms.”
IRS. “Minimum Computer Requirements.”
IRS. “IRS Free File Available Today; Claim Recovery Rebate Credit and Other Tax Credits.”
Source: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/what-is-free-file-1293929
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