Free Software Options for Doing Your Taxes Free Software Options for Doing Your Taxes Why have 49 million Americans used Free File? Security—Free File uses the latest encryption technology to safeguard your information. Flexible Payments—File early; pay by the due date of your return (not counting extensions)—April 18, 2017, for most people. Greater Accuracy—Fewer errors mean faster processing. Quick Receipt—Get an acknowledgment that your return was received and accepted. Go Green—Reduce the amount of paper used. It's Free—through IRS.gov/freefile. Faster Refunds—Join the eight in 10 taxpayers who get their refunds faster by e-filing using direct deposit. Free Tax Help Available Nationwide is discussed in a shaded box The box says the following: Volunteers are available in communities nationwide providing tax free assistance to low to moderate income (generally under $54,000 in adjusted gross income) and elderly taxpayers (age 60 and older). At selected sites, taxpayers can input and electronically file their own tax return with the assistance of an IRS-certified volunteer. See How to Get Tax Help near the end of these instructions for additional information or visit IRS.gov (Keyword: VITA) for a VITA/TCE site near you! I.R.S. Free File logo Do Your Taxes For Free If your adjusted gross income was $64,000 or less in 2016, you can use free tax software to prepare and e-file your tax return. Earned More? Use Free File Fillable Forms. Free File. This public-private partnership, between the IRS and tax software providers, makes approximately 15 brand name commercial software products and e-file available for free. Seventy percent of the nation's taxpayers are eligible. Just visit IRS.gov/freefile for details. Free File combines all the benefits of e-file and easy-to-use software at no cost. Guided questions will help ensure you get all the tax credits and deductions you are due. It's fast, safe, and free. You can review each software provider's criteria for free usage or use an online tool to find which free software products match your situation. Some providers offer state tax return preparation for free. Free File Fillable Forms The IRS offers electronic versions of IRS paper forms that also can be e-filed for free. Free File Fillable Forms is best for people experienced in preparing their own tax returns. There are no income limitations. Free File Fillable Forms does basic math calculations. It supports only federal tax forms. IRS.gov is the gateway for all electronic services offered by the IRS, as well as the spot to download forms at IRS.gov/formspubs. Electronic tax payments are discussed in a separate box titled Make your tax payments electronically—it's easy! The box says the following: You can make electronic payments online, by phone, or from a mobile device. Paying electronically is safe and secure. The IRS uses the latest encryption technology and does not store the bank account number you use to submit your payment. When you use any of the IRS electronic payment options, it puts you in control of paying your tax bill and gives you peace of mind. You determine the payment date, and you will receive an immediate confirmation from the IRS. It's easy, secure, and much quicker than mailing in a check or money order. Go to IRS.gov/payments to see all your electronic payment options.
