How to E-File Your Taxes for Free

Every year during tax time, the IRS now offers a list of websites that allow taxpayers to electronically prepare and file their income tax returns for free. Learn how this free service can work for you.

Things You'll Need

• A computer with high-speed internet connection

Instructions

1. Go to the IRS website at irs.gov (see link below). There is a link near the top of the page that says "Use Free File to Prepare Your Taxes." Click on this link and then click on the link on the next page that says "Start Now" and then click on "Yes" in the popup window that asks you if you'd like to leave the IRS website.

2. Choose either to browse all companies or be guided to a specific company. One caveat to remember is that your income must be less than $54,000 in order for you to be able to use this service. If you fill out the information page to be guided to a company, then you may get a program that exactly fits your needs. But you may also miss out on a potentially better program for you if you don't browse what's available.

3. These programs work much like Turbotax or Quicken, although they are usually not quite as detailed. They will allow you to put in all major forms of income and take the usual litany of deductions, although filers with unusual or exotic forms of income or deductions may not find a specific place for them in these programs.

4. Simply go through the program and answer each question one at a time, and then if you get a refund it is wise to set up a direct deposit. Rapid Refund loans are becoming harder and harder to justify paying for, because the average turnaround time for a refund now is about two to three weeks if you file electronically with direct deposit.

5. Your tax information will continue to be stored on this program after you have filed, but it is wise to print out a copy for your records. Most of these programs will now allow you to file returns electronically with one or two states as well.

Tips & Warnings

• Some e-filing companies offer more comprehensive programs than others. Some programs can only prepare returns for W2 employees, while others allow self-employed persons to file as well. You will probably want to try a few different programs in order to find one that best fits your needs.

• This article is intended as a general guide and should not be construed as specific tax advice. If you have further questions on this subject, you should consult your tax advisor.

Resources

• Internal Revenue Service