How to File My Federal Taxes Online for Free

Many tax preparation services offer online software that you can use for a fee. But if you want to save money, there are services that allow you to file your federal taxes online for free. Free-file services offer the same or similar tools for preparing and sending in tax forms online, but you have to meet certain requirements. For example, you may need to meet income or age restrictions.

Instructions

1. Use Intuit TurboTax Freedom Edition (see Resources) to file your taxes online at no charge. You can access the software at no charge if your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is $31,000 or less or you qualify for the earned income credit. If you're on active duty in the military, you can file for free if your AGI does not exceed $57,000. The software also offers free tax preparation for some of the state tax returns.

2. File your federal taxes for free using Online Tax Pros (see Resources). You can file at no cost if the AGI on your return is between $3,500 and $57,000, and you live in a state supported by the program. You can fill out and e-file over 25 different federal forms with this option. You can also file older returns from previous years and receive customer support for free with this online service.

3. Prepare your taxes for free with Citizen Tax Free (see Resources). To qualify, you have to live in an approved state, make $57,000 or less and not be over age 64. You can take a test drive to see how the online tool works before you fill out your own forms and e-file. The service guarantees accurate calculations and supports most major tax forms including common small business forms.

References

• Intuit: Intuit Tax Freedom Project
• OnlineTaxPros: File Taxes Online & E-File Tax Return

Resources

• Citizen Tax Free
• Intuit Tax Freedom Project
• OnlineTaxPros