Did you know you can get free tax help from big names like H&R Block and TurboTax? The free tax preparation software is typically only for simple filings, and you must complete them on your own. But they do not have minimum income or age requirements like government programs.
United Way provides MyFreeTaxes.com that lets you file for free and has phone and online support. Tax assistance is available every day from January 25 to April 30 from 10 am to 10 pm ET. Help is also open Monday through Friday from May 1 to October 31 from 10 am to 6 pm.
Most taxpayers who use MyFreeTaxes.com self-file in less than an hour, and they can get help as needed. Individuals of all income levels can self-file for free. Filers who earn $57,000 or less, however, can have their return prepared in person or online for free.
Some online software is free, while others charge a small fee. The software can determine which credits and deductions filers qualify for, saving you tens to hundreds of dollars.
Some popular tax filing software includes the following:
- 1040.com – $25 flat rate for federal and state filings
- 1040NOW.NET – $19.95 for federal and $17.95 per state
- Cash App Taxes – $0 for state and federal tax returns
- eSmart – (No longer part of the Free File Alliance)
- Basic package is $24.95 for simple returns, like single or married with no dependents
- Deluxe is $44.95 for returns with dependents, investments, homeownership, and more
- Premium is $64.95 for unique returns like from freelance and contractor filers
- ezTaxReturn.com
- $0 for simple federal returns and $19.95 for simple state returns
- $29.95 for federal returns and $19.95 for state returns or $39.95 for both
- FileYourTaxes.com – $0 for federal and state e-file returns
- FreeTaxUSA – $0 for federal returns and $14.99 per state
- Online Taxes at OLT.com – $0 for federal returns and $9.95 per state
- TaxAct
- $0 for federal returns for filers with incomes less than $65,000 (or $73,000 if active military)
- $0 for state returns for filers qualified for free federal and in AR, AZ, GA, IA, ID, IN, KY, MA, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NH, NY, OR, RI, SC, VA, VT, WV
- Up to $64.95 for federal returns and $44.95 per state for filers who do not qualify for free returns
- TaxSlayer
- $0 for basic 1040 federal and state returns
- $17.95 for federal returns with deductions and credits
- $37.95 for federal returns with Tax Pro support
- $47.95 for federal returns of self-employed filers
- $39.95 for state returns
- Turbo Tax
- $0 for simple federal and state returns
- $39 for federal returns with deductions
- $69 for federal returns with investments and rental properties
- $89 for federal returns with self-employment earnings and other expenses
Read the fine print before submitting banking information.
Many websites let you start for free but charge you when it is time to submit the return. Check out more tips to avoid tax scams next.
By Admin –
