This refers to an offer, available through the Internal Revenue Service website (irs.gov), of free tax software by private-sector companies participating in a "public-private partnership." This freebie is available to households with income of $58,000 or less, or 70% of the nation's taxpayers, the IRS said in a recent statement.
"If you want to save money and time, just use Free File to prepare and e-file your federal return at no charge," IRS Commissioner John Koskinen says.
To check it out, go to the IRS site (IRS.gov/freefile). Each of the participating companies has "specific offers—generally based on income, state residency and age—to use their software," the IRS says. "If your income is $58,000 or less, you will find at least one, if not more, offers available to you." These programs are for federal returns, but "most companies also offer state tax return preparation, some for free," it says.
Regardless of income, everyone can use "online Fillable Forms," the IRS says. This is the electronic version of the IRS's paper forms. However, this option "helps with math but not with step-by-step assistance," the IRS says. See the IRS website for instructions. State tax return preparation "is not available using this option."
The IRS said the participating companies are part of a group known as Free File Alliance. This Alliance "has partnered with the IRS for 11 years to make these commercial products available for free to taxpayers who don't earn high incomes. You must access these products through IRS.gov to be eligible for their free offers."
Warning: Even if you qualify for free software, you may not find answers to all your questions, and you may need expert help. Tax-preparation software has improved significantly over the years, but our tax system is extraordinarily complex.
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