How to Do Your Taxes for Free

If your adjusted gross income was $54,000 or less in 2007, you can use Free File to prepare and e-file your taxes online.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• internet connection
• tax documents, W2 and any dividend statement

1. Go to the official IRS website irs.gov.
2. Click on the link Use Free File to Prepare Your Taxes right in the middle of their home page.
3. Click on the Start Now! button.
4. Read the information posted at the site titled. Important notes before you begin...
5. View the company listings by clicking on the "Browse All Companies!" button, select a company to go to the company website and begin your Free File online tax preparation and e-filing.
   
   Or, if you prefer to let us help you select a company, select the "Guide Me To A Company!" button for additional assistance.
6. Select the company and you will be leaving the IRS tax site. There is a large list of companies that offer this service. One such company on the list is located at http://turbotax.intuit.com/taxfreedom/. For example.
7. You will follow their online software, answering the questions. After you finish your return you will have the option to efile or print and mail your return.
8. If you efile watching your email is very important. You will be notified when the IRS has accepted your return via email. This can happen the same day you file.

Tips & Warnings

• The Economic Stimulus checks will be mailed in May of 2008 to people who have already filed their income tax.
• The IRS has all forms available as downloads along with instructions, all in Adobe format at their site.
• Be sure you access the irs.gov website. Do not go to irs.com for example.