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Taxpayers can now enjoy the convenience of filing their income tax return online for free. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has introduced "Free File," a program that helps eligible individuals to prepare their income tax report through the Internet without any amount of service fee. This program is in partnership with 19 tax software companies.
Traditional Free File Program
The traditional free file is a program where you file your tax return online for free using a tax software program. The free service is provided by the participating firms to taxpayers who meet their criteria. To avail the service without cost, your maximum adjusted gross income (AGI) should at or below $56,000. Aside from the designated AGI requirement, the state where you live in, your age, your eligibility to avail the earned income tax credit, and whether you are an active member of the armed forces or not, are also some of the criteria that the firms will consider. Some of these organizations offer a free tax refund calculator. Most providers however, do not provide a free state tax return online.
How to Avail the Traditional Free File
To avail the traditional free file program, follow these steps:
Free File Fillable Forms Program
Free file fillable forms are one way to file your income tax return online for free without using tax software. These online forms are the electronic version of IRS tax forms in paper where you can select and prepare your income tax forms and schedules. It supports the most common federal tax forms such as 1040, 1040 A, and 1040EZ. This service comes with a basic calculation tool that automatically does the mathematics for you. Unlike the traditional free file method, fillable forms do not have a limited income requirement.
How to Use Free Fillable Forms
To use the free file fillable forms here's what you need to do:
Traditional Free File Program
The traditional free file is a program where you file your tax return online for free using a tax software program. The free service is provided by the participating firms to taxpayers who meet their criteria. To avail the service without cost, your maximum adjusted gross income (AGI) should at or below $56,000. Aside from the designated AGI requirement, the state where you live in, your age, your eligibility to avail the earned income tax credit, and whether you are an active member of the armed forces or not, are also some of the criteria that the firms will consider. Some of these organizations offer a free tax refund calculator. Most providers however, do not provide a free state tax return online.
How to Avail the Traditional Free File
To avail the traditional free file program, follow these steps:
- Go to the IRS website and search the "free file" keywords.
- Click the "I Will Choose A Company" or "Help Me Find A Company" button based on your preference.
- If you choose the "Help Me Find" button, fill out the online form provided by the IRS.
- Go to the company's main website.
- Create an account and start the process by following the steps given.
- Print the completed return for personal record.
Free File Fillable Forms Program
Free file fillable forms are one way to file your income tax return online for free without using tax software. These online forms are the electronic version of IRS tax forms in paper where you can select and prepare your income tax forms and schedules. It supports the most common federal tax forms such as 1040, 1040 A, and 1040EZ. This service comes with a basic calculation tool that automatically does the mathematics for you. Unlike the traditional free file method, fillable forms do not have a limited income requirement.
How to Use Free Fillable Forms
To use the free file fillable forms here's what you need to do:
- Go to the IRS website and search the terms "free file."
- On the Free File page, click the button "Choose Fillable Forms."
- Once you are on the main website of the program, you need to create an account in able for you to access and use the service.
- Read instructions carefully. Prepare the tax documents as suggested on the website to fill out some information.
- Refer to the "Frequently Asked Questions" when problems arise while filling out the forms.
- Print the completed return for personal record.
