6 Free E-File Options
Posted by on January 24th, 2009
Working on your taxes today? This weekend marks the first tax filing rush of the season. Let’s check out all the free e-filing options for your federal return to get your taxes done and on their way to the IRS!
Free E-File Options
- TaxCut. TaxCut is offering a free edition if you want to prepare your return online. It also includes free e-filing. I’m a big fan of TaxCut, and regularly use their products. It’s available at TaxCut Online.
- TurboTax. TurboTax offers a free online edition available at TurboTax Online. It includes free e-filing. TurboTax is one of the most popular tax software packages around.
- TaxAct. You can prepare, print, and e-file your return for free. TaxAct offers an online version or a download version of their software at TaxAct. I used the download version of their software last year.
- IRS Free File. The IRS Free File program is an IRS partnership with 20 tax software companies offering free filing. There is an income limit of $56,000 or less in 2008.
- IRS Free File Fillable Forms. The IRS Free File Fillable Forms is not a tax software, but blank forms. There are no income limitations. You pick the forms you need, fill in the numbers, and e-file for free. If you know what you are doing, this is a great option!
- VITA. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program offers free e-filing. You go to your nearest VITA location in person and have a volunteer complete your return. I’ve volunteered in the past; it’s a terrific program.
If you are looking for full service tax software, see my 2008 TaxCut Review.
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This is great to have all these listed in one place. Is there a limit on how much you can make and still get the return done for free?
@ Mrs. Accountability: The IRS Free File program (4) has an income limit and the VITA program (6) is intended for low- to moderate-income filers. I think you can use all the rest with any income!
Just type in irs.gov for all your free efiling info.
@ Julie: The IRS website is a great resource for free e-filing. However, for those with incomes above $56,000 who want to use a tax preparation software package, they will need to explore other options.
The first three free e-filing options on the list meet the needs of those filers.
The TaxCut offers 5 free e-files but that is for the single filer who makes mistake in the first return and has to file the second time. This second time repeat e-filing will be free. Catch is, if you file a second tax return for another family memeber, you will have to pay full e-file fee. This second return for another person will not be free in this so called “5-free e-filing”. So beware of this new game this year.
@ Haren: I’m pretty certain that the 5 free e-files you refer to (for the purchased software) do not have to be for the same person.
The requirement is that they are filed from the same installation. So in my house, we can file 5 different family members returns from one software package all for free.
If someone makes a mistake, you would just file an amended return.
If you have seen any documentation otherwise, let me know and I’d be happy to contact the H&R Block representative.
Thank you Madision. I just don’t trust corporate America anymore. I have not bought the Taxcut yet but my brother said on the back of the box it says one free e-file is included. This tells me that they are playing some game. Lets hope not.
@ Haren: I get where you are coming from. You could buy TaxCut before they announced the 5 free e-files. I bet that’s what happened to your brother.
The good news, according to the H&R Block website, is the key code in his software is now valid for the 5 free e-files. So he should be all set!
It is good to see all of these free options listed together – I am sure it will be helpful to those who are looking to find the best free solution for filing their taxes this year.
I work for H&R Block TaxCut, all of our 2008 software products include 5 free e-files this year. These can be used for anyone.
Note that if you purchase TaxCut online, it only comes with one e-file. So, if you want/need to file multiple returns, software is the way to go.
David James
H&R Block TaxCut
I love Turbo Tax! Simple to use, easy to set up, and imports well from other programs. I’ve used Turbo Tax for years and love it!
I just finished my taxes using TAX CUT Premium (State + efile). I’ve been using Tax Cut for years. But this year, I cannot file!! They haven’t finished writing the program. It won’t allow me to file until Feb 11!! And there is no California State available (as of Feb 2). In fact, only 2-of-50 states are available for downloading. This is AWFUL. I have asked for a refund from Tax Cut, and will have to turn to Turbo Tax or another program. I want my refund!!
I am done with TaxCut! It used to be a friendly and economical software, but now they are baiting you with options that only lead you to more expenses later. But the straw that broke my camel’s back is this: Last year I was tempted to try their Online version (I thought I am saving $20, but wait till you add the state…). Not only was it frustratingly slow, but at the end, I ended up with no back-up except for a PDF copy with a big stamp “Copy” all over it. This year I went back to the software version (Premium version) and guess what? YOU CANNOT IMPORT LAST YEAR’S RETURN FROM THE ONLINE VERSION! Can you believe that?
No more Taxcut for me. I’d rather pay $20 more and go with the leader.