Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Things You’ll Need:
- Tax records for the current filing year
- Copy of last year's federal and state returns
- Bank account and routing number for direct deposit
How to File Taxes for Free
Step1
FreeFile. If your adjusted gross income is under $54,000, you are eligible to participate in the IRS FreeFile program. Just go to IRS.gov; click on the "FreeFile" link, and choose one of the participating companies from the list to get started. Not sure which company to choose? Click on the "Guide me to a company" button, and the site will help you decide which company will work best for your needs.
Step2
Free Tax Prep Software. Make too much to qualify for the FreeFile program? Then, give free tax-prep software a try. TaxCut Basic, TurboTax Free Edition and Tax ACT Standard are good options if your taxes are fairly straightforward.
Step3
AARP. The AARP Tax-Aide program offers free tax help to low- and middle-income individuals, with a focus on those age 60 and over. Visit their website to find a tax site near you and to schedule an appointment.
Step4
Military. If you are in the military, you and your family qualify for free tax prep through the Armed Forces Tax Council. Check with your current installation for more information.
Step5
VITA. Looking for even more free file options? Check with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program. They offer tax-prep sites all over the country for low- to moderate-income individuals and can be reached at (800) 829-1040.
Enthusiast 
Comments
vallain said
on 7/19/2008 Many public libraries schedule free income tax help (usually with AARP or VITA) at their site. Convenient location, good parking, but sometimes have to wait awhile for a turn. They even file it electronically for you to get a quicker return.