Free Federal Tax Software from the IRS

[cdub]

Heard this on NPR this morning, the IRS is giving away tax filing software in an effort to get people to file electronically.

IRS Software Index

You still have to pay for State tax functionality.

[edit] The only gotcha is that it seems like they are all online filing methods vs. downloadable software. For the past few years I have used Intuit's online tax stuff so it works for me!

IRS Free Return Top Page

 

[jinglingxl]

i think this only apply to people under certain income level

 

[cdub]

Originally posted by: jinglingxl
i think this only apply to people under certain income level

That used to be true with TurboTax online, but what they said on NPR is that federal filing is free for anyone.

 

[Phew]

Its free for anyone this year. I used TurboTax, worked great. At the end, you can choose to pay $20 or something to e-file your state tax as well. That is how they make their money.

 

[DrPizza]

Originally posted by: jinglingxl
i think this only apply to people under certain income level

actually, filing is free under a certain income level...

Otherwise, you have to pay 10 or 15 for e-filing.
IIRC, it was $15 to do both our federal and state online this year...
The software works just as well as the other big name brands.

 

[dtanderson]

I only payed $7.95 for state and federal was free just like the past two years.

 

[paulldvd]

I used the online version for TaxAct last night for my son's return. worked flawlessly. i myself had purchased the deluxe version for $20 earlier this year. mine is much more involved and I prefer to keep the info on my computer for that. BTW the deluxe included one state version and e-file one federal form.

 

[dtanderson]

I use TaxAct Deluxe also, the federal e-file has always been free and you just have to pay to e-file the state ($7.95). I have already pre-ordered my 2005 copy. I always pre-order because you can get it cheaper. you can pre-order the 2005 version for $17 (free federal e-file included), they do not charge you until they release it. So $17 plus $7.95 == $24.95 to get the software to do your taxes and e-file.

Pre-Order Taxact 2005

 

[flyingboujanero]

H&R Block online is free for anyone, no income limitations, its the 2nd one down on the IRS free software list. However filing for state will still cost you,

 

[joelmold]

This is free for anyone, no restrictions. I chose www.taxfreedom.com because I have always used TurboTax in the past.

FYI, for those in California, you can e-file your state taxes for free here: www.ftb.ca.gov/online/calFile/index.html.

joel

 

[fbrdphreak]

Thanks guys, I've been meaning to put that W2 to use here lately

 

[kamranziadar]

is there any software free for Federal and State Tax.

 

[BaNzaiDags]

bump

 

[fbrdphreak]

Finally did the free TurboTax tonight. I was done in 10 min and cost me $9.99; free e-filing Sweetness!!!!

 

[EagleKeeper]

Originally posted by: kamranziadar
is there any software free for Federal and State Tax.

A lot depends on income level.

The Fed many times will be free, the state is a different beast.

 

[oboeguy]

Another TaxAct fan here. Been using the Deluxe version since 1998 or so.

 

[dijidiji]

I always look for free federal and state filing, so I think TaxSlayer.com is awesome. They offer:

Free tax prep & e-file if you are age 25 OR younger OR 61 or older, OR active in the military, OR if you qualify for the EITC.

That gets you free federal AND state. I've used them two years in a row now, and I'm well satisfied.

And while I haven't used it, CompleteTax.com offers free federal AND state if your AGI is less than $28,500.

 

[Netopia]

Note to customers who used TurboTax last year: the Standard product will not import your TurboTax data from last year?s return.

Well... that sucks and nails it shut for me.

 

[nergee]

The State of Maine lets you file your state taxes online for free...................TaxAct is a great product.......

 

[Davegod75]

Originally posted by: nergee
The State of Maine lets you file your state taxes online for free...................TaxAct is a great product.......

ditto for Maryland. they have their own website and software

 

[Netopia]

Thanks Dave... I didn't realize that! Do you have the weblink to the MD tax online site?

 

[jbloggs]

Here is link to more free filing information

Tax filing information


State E-Filing information

 

[UF Jspec]

Originally posted by: oboeguy
Another TaxAct fan here. Been using the Deluxe version since 1998 or so.

TaxActOnline was very easy and free!

 

[Cdubneeddeal]

Originally posted by: cdub
Heard this on NPR this morning, the IRS is giving away tax filing software in an effort to get people to file electronically.

IRS Software Index

You still have to pay for State tax functionality.

[edit] The only gotcha is that it seems like they are all online filing methods vs. downloadable software. For the past few years I have used Intuit's online tax stuff so it works for me!

IRS Free Return Top Page

Omg..not another Cdub. There can be only one!!!

Sorry got a little off topic.
Back to topic. I go with Taxact. Been using it for three years now with no problems at all. Great little piece of software.

 

[qbackin]

Originally posted by: joelmold
This is free for anyone, no restrictions. I chose www.taxfreedom.com because I have always used TurboTax in the past.

FYI, for those in California, you can e-file your state taxes for free here: www.ftb.ca.gov/online/calFile/index.html.

joel

i used this to file, but it cost me 19.95...