How to eFile with the IRS for Free
Taxpayers with AGI of $56,000 or Less Can Free File Online
Mar 12, 2009
Every April 15, nervous taxpayers must endure the nail-biting question of how to file taxes in order to avoid tax problems.
Filing taxes by hand can be difficult, time-consuming, and very confusing. The taxpayer must ensure he or she has all the proper forms and that the math is accurate. Other options include tax help from an attorney, visiting a tax preparer’s booth in a retail shop, or seeking tax help from an accountant.
The U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) makes it easy to obtain tax help and to locate tax software companies that allow taxpayers to file taxes online. The IRS calls their online tax filing service eFile.
Who Qualifies for Free eFile?
Taxpayers with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $56,000 or less can file their tax returns online for free.
Tax Preparation: What the Taxpayer Needs before Filing Taxes
Before filing taxes, the taxpayer needs to have on hand tax forms stating income including W-2 or 1099-Misc. Another common tax form sent to the taxpayer’s address is a 1099-DIV for reporting income from investments.
The taxpayer must also have on hand the exact amount of last year’s stimulus payment. The IRS needs this information to confirm the tax return.
Benefits of IRS eFile
Taxpayers taking advantage of eFile enjoy numerous benefits:
- completely free for taxpayers with an AGI of $56,000 or less
- far easier and less confusing than filing taxes by hand
- tax software does all the work
- faster refunds
- increased security
- completed tax return goes directly to the IRS without getting lost in the mail
- less chance for an audit
- saves paper and helps the environment
How to eFile for Free
- Point the web browser to the IRS website.
- On the left-hand side of the IRS home page, click Freefile: Do taxes online free. The IRS Freefile page displays.
- The taxpayer has the option of filing taxes for free using one of two options: traditional free file (tax software with step-by-step help) or free file fillable forms (complete tax forms and file them online without tax software). Each option provides tax help so the filer can avoid tax problems.
- Taxpayers electing traditional free file with tax software have two options: choose a tax software company from a list (Choose a Company) or complete a short form to get help in finding a tax software company (Help Find a Company).
- Taxpayers electing to file taxes using free fillable forms should click the Choose Fillable Forms button to be routed to a third-party website where the taxpayer can complete tax forms and submit online. This option is like completing tax forms by hand, only it is done online. Taxpayers can get tax help including a calculation tool.
IRS eFile makes filing taxes far simpler and more secure. And for taxpayers with an AGI of $56,000 or less, filing taxes is free. However, the taxpayer must have on hand the typical tax forms stating income and the exact amount of last year’s stimulus payment.
See related article, Where to Find Free Tax Help.
 |
