Every year at tax time, I become the favorite family member as I prepare taxes for my siblings and children. It’s a barter system where I scratch their back, and they scratch mine, although I believe my back is still quite itchy! But I don’t mind as I’m able to use “free file” to do their income taxes online, so the process is quite simple and FREE!
According to the IRS.gov website, for 2023 taxes, if you made under $79,000 you can use “IRS Free File” to prepare and then file your federal (and most states) income taxes online for free. There are currently 8 (eight)IRS Free File online providers. I have listed them below in alphabetical order, included any restrictions, and made notes on my favorite tax software picks.
IRS Free File Online Tax Software Providers
As long as you meet certain eligibility criteria, you will not be charged for the preparation and e-filing of your federal tax return at any of the below online tax software providers. Some of the providers do charge a nominal fee for state preparation and e-filing, so you may want to google your state to see if they offer free e-filing directly on their website.
Please Note: AGI stands for “Adjusted Gross Income” (before taxes). EITC stands for “Earned Income Tax Credit”.
1. 1040.com
AGI: Between $17,000 and $79,000Age: AnyFree Fed Filing: Free in all statesFree State Filing: Free in all statesEITC: IncludedMilitary Pay: Included
2. 1040now.net
AGI: $68,000 or lessAge: AnyFree Fed Filing: Any state EXCEPT: AK, FL, IN, NH, NV, TX, WA or WYFree State Filing: No free state tax preparation in any statesEITC: IncludedMilitary Pay: Included
3. ezTaxReturn
AGI: $79,000 or lessAge: anyFree Fed Filing: AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, GA, IL, LA, MA, MD, MI, MO, MS, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, SC, VA, WA, WIFree State Filing: No free state tax preparation in any statesEITC: Included if AGI criterion is metMilitary Pay: Included if AGI criterion is met
4. FileYourTaxes.com
AGI: Between $8,500 and $79,000Age: 64 or youngerFree Fed Filing: Any State of ResidenceFree State Filing: Free state return if eligible for a federal return for IA, ID, ND, and VTEITC: Included if age and AGI criteria are metMilitary Pay: Included
5. FreeTaxUSA
AGI: $45,000 or lessAge: AnyFree Fed Filing: Any State of ResidenceFree State Filing: Free state return if you qualify for the federal return.EITC: Included if AGI criterion is metMilitary Pay: Included
6. OLT.com
AGI: $45,000 or lessAge: AnyFree Fed Filing: Any State of ResidenceFree State Filing: Free state return if you qualify for the federal returnEITC: Included if AGI criterion is metMilitary Pay: Included
7. TaxAct.com
AGI: $79,000 or lessAge: Ages 20-58Free Fed Filing: Any State of ResidenceFree State Filing: Free state return, for some states, if you qualify for the federal return.EITC: Included if age and AGI criteria are metMilitary Pay: Included
8. TaxSlayer.com
AGI: $44,000 or lessAge: AnyFree Fed Filing: Any State of ResidenceFree State Filing: Free state return, for some states, if you qualify for the federal return.EITC: IncludedMilitary Pay: Included – Active duty military can file a federal + state return for $0 that covers all tax situations with no restrictions (click here for details) – this one of several companies that offer military discounts
More Free File Online Tax Software Providers
H&R Block
AGI: Simple returns (i.e. Students, Unemployed, W-2 employees, Child Tax Credit).Age: AnyFed Filing: $25 (the best value is Deluxe + State for $49)State Filing: Not included with BasicEITC: IncludedMilitary Pay: Included
TurboTax
AGI: Simple returns (W-2 income, limited interest and dividend income reported on 1099-INT or 1099-DIV, 1099-K income, IRS standard deduction, Earned Income Tax Credit, Child tax credits, Student loan interest deduction)Age: AnyFree Fed Filing: $0Free State Filing: $0EITC: IncludedMilitary Pay: $72,000 or less
*Kim’s 2nd Pick: The best upside about TurboTax is that they do save the previous year’s returns and do not charge an import fee, but they will try to get you to upgrade at every other turn. If you can resist all of the upsells, TurboTax is not a bad option.
IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
2024 Tax Deadline for 2023 Taxes
Need A Tax Extension?
If you don’t have time to get your taxes done by the deadline, you can eFile an IRS tax extension for 6 months through TaxExtension.com and receive instant IRS approval. It’s only $29.95 (regularly $44.95) and an easy process. TaxExtension.com offers a money-back guarantee that your tax extension will be approved by the IRS or your money back.
P.S. Don’t lie on your taxes. It isn’t worth it.
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