Free Tax Filing: 7 Ways to File Your Taxes for Free in 2024
If you have had a few bad experiences with finances lately, the last thing you would want is to spend more by fulfilling the task of paying taxes — a tedious task for most people. Luckily, you may be able to file for free only if you pass some prerequisites. Here are the most popular free services that you are eligible for. Let's explore free tax filing in the USA in 2024.
Key Highlights
FreeTaxUSA makes filing taxes inexpensive and free.
Online tax filing service FreeTaxUSA offers free and premium versions.
The free version permits simple state and federal returns, while the premium version offers live service and sophisticated returns.
FreeTaxUSA has earned its reputation for being easy to use and helping individuals to save income taxes.
1- IRS Free File
IRS Free File is a partnership with the Free File Alliance, a nonprofit. Free software from tax-prep firms like TaxAct and TaxSlayer is designed for certain consumers to utilize. Spanish is used in certain Free File products.
How Does It Work?
The 2024 tax season is for families and individuals with adjusted gross incomes under $79,000. However, each provider might set additional participation requirements like age, residence, etc. Check the fine print—not all Free File state returns are free.
The IRS also offers free Fillable Forms to all citizens (regardless of income) that can be submitted electronically at no cost. However, unlike tax-preparation software, the Free Fillable Forms do not provide tax guidance or state filing options.
Where Can I Find It?
The IRS website will host the Free File program from Jan. 12, 2024, until Oct. 15, the tax extension date. For tax filers, fillable Forms will be available on the IRS website from Jan. 29, 2024, until mid-October.
You can download the forms from the IRS website, visit a Taxpayer Assistance Center, or call 800-829-3676 to get them for paper and postal filers. IRS paperwork may be accessible at your local library.
2- Online Tax Filing for Free
Most major tax software companies provide free tax preparation for minor tax circumstances. If the firm is an IRS partner, the product may differ from taxpayer Free File.
Software definitions of "simple tax return" differ. They are usually for single workers who don't claim deductions on their taxes. If your tax position is complicated, this may not work.
How Does It Work?
Most free editions work with Form 1040 and may help you minimize taxes using child or earned income tax credits. They can also help pay student loans and bank interest. State tax returns are included in these free deals. However, some providers may charge more if you file late in the season.
Where Can I Find It?
Many tax software suppliers provide free downloads on their websites. Our 2024 Best Free Tax Software winner is H&R Block Free. Unlike the other providers we tested, the free tier permits the usage of a complete collection of forms without compromising user experience or contextual guidance. Which free program is ideal for you depends on your tax needs.
3- Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
Community groups get federal grants to prepare free taxes for low- and moderate-income persons, disabled people, elderly Americans, and limited-English speakers through Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA). Free tax aid is usually limited to $64,000.
How Does It Work?
The IRS oversees VITA, but partner groups and IRS-certified volunteers manage the tax-prep centres. Despite not being CPAs or EAs, volunteer tax preparers are held to rigorous standards of ethics. To lawfully prepare returns, they must complete tax law competency training. A more experienced volunteer will check your return after the first completion.
VITA can produce primary 1040 tax forms and prepare bank interest income, unemployment income, pensions and certain retirement income, earned income tax credit, and child tax credit. Assistance may be available for simple capital gains or losses, self-employment income from a 1099-MISC, 1099-NEC, or 1099-K, but these services are limited and cannot be guaranteed.
Where Can I Find It?
The IRS website identifies VITA facilities nationwide, their hours, languages spoken, and whether you need an appointment. Contact 800-906-9887 for a local site list.
Any VITA facility requires a government ID, Social Security card or ITIN, prior-year tax return, tax forms, and income statements for all applicable parties. Fill out your joint paperwork with your spouse.
4- GetYourRefund.org
Getyourrefund.org provides alternative VITA services for people who cannot attend a local VITA centre. This nonprofit program, created by Code for America and the IRS, offers virtual tax prep services to qualified individuals by IRS-certified volunteers.
The service is in Spanish and provided to anyone under $66,000. Eligibility requires a copy of your Social Security card or taxpayer identification number. If you're behind, tax preparers can assist you in submitting 2020–2022 taxes.
How Does It Work?
Upload your tax documents and provide basic information. Before starting your return, a VITA tax preparer will call to review your information. A second certified preparer will review and finish your return as with in-person VITA services. The preparer will call to confirm your return or charge and answer any questions. After approval, sign your return online, and the pro will send your papers. The website says it takes two to three weeks to complete.
Like the Free File offer, GetYourRefund.org's "File Myself" option connects those earning under $79,000 to partner brand-name tax software to file their taxes independently. The website offers free state returns without requiring a copy of your Social Security number [6].
Where Can I Find It?
Visit getyourrefund.org. You can choose GetMyRefund or File Myself. A simple Q&A on the web might help you decide. You may then follow the program's instructions or file my own return on the partner site.
5- Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE)
Federal grants enable community organizations to provide free pension and retirement tax preparation through Tax Counseling for the Elderly. While the program primarily targets those 60 and older, certain AARP-run sites may also assist low-to-moderate-income filers in their 50s.
How Does It Work?
Community groups and NGOs prepare taxes for free using grants like VITA. Tax preparation is done by trained volunteers. The Tax-Aide program of the AARP Foundation runs most TCE sites. TCE services generally assist with simple tax returns. At some "Self-Prep" facilities, you may file your taxes using software with volunteer help.
Where Can I Find It?
The IRS website includes TCE facilities nationwide, their hours, languages spoken, and whether you need an appointment. The IRS suggests utilizing the AARP locater or phoning 888-227-7669 during tax season (January–April).
6- MilTax
MilTax, a Department of Defense initiative, offers free tax software, tax guidance, financial and legal information, and more to military families and select veterans. The program runs from tax filing season until the October extension deadline.
The tax software supplier, Military OneSource, offers these tax services to service personnel (new, existing, or transitioning) and their spouses, survivors, and reserves. About all service branches are covered, including the Army, National Guard, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Space Force. There are no income criteria for eligibility.
How Does It Work?
In addition to free tax software, certified MilTax experts may help with taxes by phone and live chat. The program effectively addresses military tax difficulties, including reconciling combat income and understanding the tax implications of several relocations [10]. MilTax participates in VITA so that you can obtain free tax help on the base or nearby.
Where Can I Find It?
Download the program, locate helpline numbers and hours, and check if your installation has a VITA site at Militaryonesource.mil.
7- Direct File
The IRS is testing this new service for basic returns in 2024. Residents in Arizona, California, Florida, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming can file for free with the IRS.
The IRS is first restricting Direct File to a small number of taxpayers to ensure its functionality. The IRS will expand eligibility in those 12 states by mid-March.
How Does It Work?
Participating in 2024 requires living in one of the participating states, having specific income streams, and claiming certain tax credits and deductions.
The Direct File pilot supports W-2 income, unemployment, $1,500 and less interest, Social Security, and railroad retirement income. The program may file child, earned income, and other dependent credits. It supports regular deductions, educator expenditures, and student loan interest.
Direct File only helps with federal taxes, not state taxes. Many states in the pilot do not have state income taxes. Thus, the IRS has partnered with state governments to direct taxpayers to a state-supported tool to complete a state return.
Where Can I Find It?
Direct File is available on the IRS website like Free File. The IRS claims the service is available in English and Spanish on mobile, tablet, laptop, and desktop. The agency revealed pilot information in October 2023.
Final Words
Free tax filing choices may seem unlikely, yet they exist. The IRS Free File program, a partnership between the IRS and Free File Alliance, provides free commercial tax software to low-income company filers. The organization also offers free fillable forms that anybody may fill out, regardless of income or experience. Direct File, which lets you file electronically with the IRS and 12 states, is also being considered this year. Many famous tax software businesses provide free tax filing programs. The free levels are good for simple tax returns since they can manage less.
FAQs
What are the free tax filing requirements?
FreeTaxUSA's free federal tax filing limits adjusted gross income to $73,000 this year. Avoid adding schedules to your income and finish form 1040 without itemized deductions. FreeTaxUSA provides similar free state tax filing services for simple returns.
What forms and schedules are supported for free filing?
It covers common forms such as 1040, 1099-INT for interest, 1099-DIV for dividends, 1099-R for retirement distributions, standard deduction, and dependent exemptions. Extra forms like itemized deductions, self-employment income, and HSA deductions require upgraded paid packages.
Does FreeTaxUSA offer audit support for free returns?
Yes, FreeTaxUSA does not provide audit support or representation for any returns filed through their free file tool. If you would like the auditing and consultation of the tax specialist, then you need to buy a paid product like Deluxe, Premier, or Self-Employed.
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