NOTICE: You have been directed to an older, out-dated post. For the 2010 free tax help post, please go to: Free tax help in San Francisco 2010
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Free File
Free File, which is a form of e-file, is a free federal tax preparation and electronic filing program for eligible taxpayers developed through a partnership between the IRS and the Free File Alliance LLC. The Alliance is a group of private-sector tax software companies. Since Free File’s debut in 2003, a total of more than 24 million returns have been prepared and e-filed through the program.
Free File offers 20 different software options that can assist taxpayers with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $56,000 or less in 2008 to e-file their federal tax returns for free. That means 70 percent of all taxpayers – 98 million taxpayers – can take advantage of tax software that will help them complete their returns through the Free File program. Three companies are offering their products in Spanish.
This year, the IRS and its partners are offering a new option, Free File Fillable Tax Forms, which opens up Free File to virtually everyone, even those whose incomes exceed $56,000.
Free File Fillable Tax Forms allows taxpayers to fill out and file their tax forms electronically, just as they would on paper. This option does not include an “interview” process like the other Free File offerings, but it does allow taxpayers to enter their tax data, perform basic math calculations, sign electronically, print their returns for recordkeeping and e-file their returns. This “self-service” option may be right for those who are comfortable with the tax law, know what forms they want to use or don’t need assistance to complete their returns.
Both the fillable-forms option and the previously available “full service” Free File offerings are available only through the IRS.gov Web site. Both new and returning taxpayers must access Free File through IRS.gov. Otherwise, the e-file provider may charge them a fee. Look for details on IRS.gov beginning Jan. 16.
Almost 4.8 million tax returns were filed through Free File last year, an increase of 24 percent over the previous year's total of nearly 3.9 million returns.
Free Tax Returns Prepared for You by Volunteers
The VITA Program offers free tax help to low- to moderate-income (generally, $42,000 and below) people who cannot prepare their own tax returns. Certified volunteers sponsored by various organizations receive training to help prepare basic tax returns in communities across the country. VITA sites are generally located at community and neighborhood centers, libraries, schools, shopping malls, and other convenient locations. Most locations also offer free electronic filing. To locate the nearest VITA site, call 1-.
Tax Counseling for Seniors
The Tax Counseling for the Elderly Program provides free tax help to people aged 60 and older. Trained volunteers from non-profit organizations provide free tax counseling and basic income tax return preparation for senior citizens. Volunteers who provide tax counseling are often retired individuals associated with non-profit organizations that receive grants from the IRS.
As part of the IRS-sponsored TCE Program, AARP offers the Tax-Aide counseling program at more than 7,000 sites nationwide during the filing season. Trained and certified AARP Tax-Aide volunteer counselors help people of low-to-middle income with special attention to those age 60 or older. Call 1- or visit the AARP Tax Return Help page.
Related Items:
- IRS e-File for Individuals
- Federal/State e-File for Taxpayers
- Authorized IRS e-File Providers for Individuals
- E-File Using a Computer
- Free File Home
- Filing your taxes was never easier!
- The Electronic IRS
- 1040 Central
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