Free Tax Returns

Everyone must file tax returns if they have income in the United States. Some people want to find out where they can get those tax returns done for free. There are several places and different ways to find help getting free tax return service.

The government website, www.irs.gov, is the first and most obvious place to begin searching for help with tax returns. On this website, visitors can do their own tax return for free using several available partner services. When a person goes to the website, they need to click on a “forms and publications” link. Most people will want the Form 1040 link, which should be displayed in the box that features top forms and publications. If you click on Form 1040, a PDF file appears with the form. This form can be interactive, meaning that it can be filled out online or printed.

To get free tax return filing, click on the logo for “free file” that is on the front page of the www.irs.gov website. That will take you to a screen that allows you to select the best method for free filing. You also can do a free e-filing on this website if all you need to do is fill out the form and submit it to the IRS electronically. Many states offer free tax return and filing services on their official state websites. Some companies offer reduced rates or free tax return if you bring in a referral.

There are several different software applications available for doing tax returns free. Free File is only offered to taxpayers who earned less than $57,000. Some software applications require a lower AGI figure. Click on the “help me find a free file company” button and you will be asked to answer several questions. These answers will determine which free file company websites you are referred to. Getting tax forms done and submitted for free is much better than paying for those services. The free software is the same software used by companies who charge for tax returns. It is easy to do if you are even minimally computer skilled.

Several other tax return companies have websites where you can do tax returns for free and also file them electronically. Most offer free returns for the Federal forms but charge for State tax returns. They may also offer upgrades like calculators, tax advice and a reduced fee state form. Some of the website companies include: Taxact.com, hrblock.com and TurboTax.Intuit.com. Check the IRS.gov website first, because many of these same companies are also listed under the government’s Free File section.

The IRS offers tax assistance to taxpayers. They will help taxpayers fill out forms and get them submitted. There is no charge for this official assistance. Another way to do taxes for free is to fill out part of the 1040 form up to the point where it asks if you want the IRS to complete your taxes. Send it in with your W2 forms and the IRS will finish the job, free.