File Taxes Online Free

The quickest and most convenient way to file yearly income taxes is with free tax filing online. A large amount of taxpayers are using online services and receiving a refund in less than half the time it takes when filing by mail. The majority of taxpayers who file free online taxes receive their returns weeks, and even months, before those who fill out standard paper forms and send them to the IRS through the postal service. By selecting direct deposit when filing, you may even receive your refund within only 10 days.

Federal

The most effective way to file taxes online free for your federal income tax return is with the U.S government’s IRS website. Simply go to www.IRS.gov and select the Free File option. This free tax online service is offered through the IRS as the result of a partnership with private software companies that provide tax-filing services. This group is referred to as the Free File Alliance LLC, and includes many recognized tax companies such as TaxACT and H&R Block. With the Free File program, you can have the IRS select a company for you or choose one yourself. The following two options to file taxes online free are available to taxpayers:

•Traditional Free File

This option provides step-by-step instructions for qualified taxpayers. In order to qualify, a maximum adjusted gross income is required. In 2009, the maximum income amount allowed to use Traditional Free File was $57,000. The program will simply ask a number of questions and supply your answers on the necessary forms. Free File will do all calculations for you and check for accuracy before filing your federal taxes with the IRS.

•Free File Fillable Forms

This option allows the taxpayer to file taxes online free without income limitations. The Free File Fillable Forms option is a self-preparation tax-filing tool that does not use any software programs or companies. When selecting this method, you simply fill out the necessary IRS tax forms and e-file your return directly with the IRS yourself. The Free File Fillable Forms option provides basic calculations and the most commonly used federal tax schedules and standard forms.

State

While the Free File program at the IRS government website is available to file taxes online for free regarding federal income taxes, not all of the companies in this program will support free tax filing online for state income tax returns. The best method to file free taxes online for your particular state is to visit the state’s Department of Revenue or Taxation website. Some states may offer the option to file taxes online free through their website. A few states however, do not require a personal income tax form to be filed. To find out more about state filing requirements and free tax online services, visit the Department of Revenue, Finance or Taxation website for the appropriate state. If your state does not offer the option to file taxes online free, it may still be possible to file online for a small fee.