You can use tax software to file your federal taxes for free if you have an agreement with the IRS.You may not be able to find the free file program on your own.If you file your taxes on the regular page, you may be charged a fee to use the service.Go to the website for the free file program if you are sure you qualify.You can be certain that you won't be charged if you file your taxes with TurboTax.
Step 1: Determine what type of tax return you need.
Most tax return forms can be supported by the free file program.You can only use the program for individual taxes.If you're a self-employed person, you can still use the program.
Step 2: Check your adjusted gross income.
If you have an adjusted gross income of $34,000 or less, you can take advantage of the free file program.If your income hasn't changed much since last year, you can check the AGI on your tax return.You can do a rough calculation of your AGI if you didn't file taxes last year.It's a good idea to figure out your total income for the year by looking at your W2 or last pay stub.Subtract alimony payments from retirement accounts to get your AGI.You can deduct half of the self-employment taxes you paid if you're self employed.
Step 3: Do you qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit?
If you are eligible for the EITC, you can still use the free file program even if you don't meet the income requirements.You can use the IRS's EITC assistant to find out if you qualify for the tax credit.If you got the credit last year, you can keep it if you haven't changed your income or household size.
Step 4: You will need the documents to file your taxes.
If you want to take deductions on your taxes, you need to get all the documents related to your income, payments, and any other deductions.When asked, keep those documents handy.A copy of last year's tax return W2s showing your annual wages, self-employment income, dividends, or interest, and a 1095A if you got your health insurance on the government marketplace are some documents you might need.
Step 5: Go to the website of the free file program.
You could end up paying to file your taxes if you simply search online for TurboTax.Instead, go to taxfreedom.intuit.com.The IRS website has a link to the free file program on it.
Step 6: Sign into an existing account or create one.
If you've used TurboTax before, you can use the same account for the Free File Program.You do not need to create a separate account.If you've never used TurboTax before, you need to enter a valid email address and come up with a password.You can quickly verify your email by logging into your account.You will not be able to start your taxes until you have verified your email.
Step 7: You can complete your tax forms by answering questions.
You will be asked a number of questions about your income and work in the past year.The answers you give will be used to fill out your tax returns.A lot of your information will be filled in by the website if you've used any edition of TurboTax in the past.If you've moved or changed jobs, double-check this information.
Step 8: You can choose how to get your money.
If you overpaid your taxes over the course of the year, you are entitled to a refund.If you choose to have the IRS mail you a check, you can also direct deposit the money into your checking or savings account.If you choose direct deposit, you will need to give your bank account number.
Step 9: If necessary, complete your state return.
If you live in a state with income taxes, you can file your state return for free.You can file your federal return for free if you qualified.The information on your state return will be auto-populated based on the information you provided for your federal return.If you are eligible for a state tax refund, it will be processed the same way as your federal one.