12:06 p.m. Updated / To make clear that the free software is available online; users do not download it to prepare and file their tax returns.
Wednesday marks the official start of tax-filing season, and taxpayers who make $57,000 or less a year can use free online software from the Internal Revenue Service to prepare and file their taxes.
The software is available from the I.R.S. as part of an agreement with the Free File Alliance, a group of 15 commercial tax software providers, including Intuit and HR Block.
Last year, more than three million people used software from Free File to prepare their federal tax returns. Roughly 70 percent of taxpayers, or about 100 million people, are eligible to use Free File this year, according to the alliance.
To see if you’re eligible, the I.R.S. advises, you can check your 2011 tax return for your adjusted gross income for that year. If it was $57,000 or less, and you didn’t have any big changes in income last year, you can probably use the Free File software for your federal taxes.
In addition, 22 states and the District of Columbia partner with alliance members to offer free state returns. Taxpayers can visit the I.R.S. Web site to see which software includes a state return for them as well and choose the one that best fits their needs.
There is no fee for users to submit federal taxes electronically, but some state programs may charge a fee for state returns.
The program is also available in Spanish.
Users must access Free File products through the I.R.S. Web site to avoid charges for preparing or electronically filing their return. Once you select the software program you want to use, you’ll be directed to the software provider’s Web site to prepare and electronically file your return.
The free software is also available at self-assisted kiosks in 29 states through the I.R.S.’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program, which provides walk-in tax preparation help for those making $51,000 or less. Filers who don’t have Internet access at home, but who still want to file their taxes electronically and need additional help can use the kiosks.
Meanwhile, taxpayers who make more than $57,000 a year can’t use the free tax preparation software. But they can use an option called Free File Fillable Forms, which offers an electronic version of the I.R.S.’s paper forms. This option lets more sophisticated tax filers complete their federal return online and file it electronically, at no charge.
Have you used the Free File program? What was your experience?
Article source: http://bucks.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/01/30/free-tax-preparation-software-available/?partner=rss&emc=rss
Speak Your Mind
You must be logged in to post a comment.