There are several choices when it comes time to file your tax return. You can hire tax preparer, use tax software or fill out the forms by hand. Another option is to use Free File. It is easy to do, takes only minutes and costs you nothing. The IRS has partnered with some private software companies to provide this free service.
The software asks you to answer simple questions that you type into the form. The software calculates the tax return and checks it to be sure it is correct. You must have an adjusted gross income of $57,000 or less to qualify for this service.
About 70% of taxpayers should be able to use this free service. The IRS estimates that if a taxpayer uses this system that includes efiling the tax return that the refund check would be issued in around 10 days. This may be a good alternative to those who have gotten tax refund loans in the past. These loans can charge a fee equal to about 25% of the tax return.
Some of the software companies also offer free state tax preparation and efiling to the state. Others companies don’t offer the service for all states or charge for it.
