How Can I E-File for Free?
The IRS encourages taxpayers to file their tax returns electronically, called "e-file," rather than using the traditional form paper mail-in filing method. This is why the IRS goes out of its way to promote the e-file system as more convenient and a faster way to receive tax return refunds. While there are many commercial tax software products on the market designed to help you prepare your taxes and file them electronically, there's actually no need to pay to e-file your taxes. The IRS doesn't charge taxpayers anything for using e-file.
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Instructions
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Using IRS Approved Free File Software
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Gather all of your tax information. For example: retrieve the copy of your previous tax year's income tax return; get your current W-2 form(s); get your 1099 form(s) and any other relevant tax forms; gather the receipts (required to calculate charitable, work related, day care, student loan or other deductions); and so forth.
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Go to the "Free File: I Will Choose A Free File Company" Web page on the IRS website (see Resources).
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Select one of the accredited free file companies from the IRS list. The free file services provided by these companies are only available for taxpayers who have an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $58,000 or less. The service will help you both prepare your taxes and file them electronically. Some free file companies are able to help you prepare and e-file both your federal and state tax return. Read each company's description of service.
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Create an account with the free file service of your choice.
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Follow the service's on-screen instructions to fill out and e-file your income tax form.
Using IRS Free File Forms
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Gather all of your tax information. For example: retrieve the copy of your previous tax year's income tax return; get your current W-2 form(s); get your 1099 form(s) and any other relevant tax forms; gather the receipts (required to calculate charitable, work related, day care, student loan or other deductions); and so forth.
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Go to freefilefillableforms.com (this is an IRS approved website). Create an account with "Free File Fillable Forms."
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Follow the on-screen instructions to select the tax forms you need.
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Fill out your tax forms. Just as you would if you were paper filing your income tax return, you are required to refer to IRS instruction manuals for detailed help on how to fill out a particular form, and you are also required to perform each forms calculations yourself.
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Review your tax forms once they're completed. Print out a copy of each form. Go to the "E-file Your Tax Forms" tab. Complete the e-file form and submit your tax return.
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Tips & Warnings
Your state government may offer a separate e-file system for filing your state taxes. In some cases, your e-file provider may allow you to file both federal and state taxes simultaneously.
References
Resources
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