With the upcoming arrival of the filing deadline for 2021 tax returns, which falls on April 18 this year for most taxpayers, you might find yourself wondering which of the many tax software options...
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With the upcoming arrival of the filing deadline for 2021 tax returns, which falls on April 18 this year for most taxpayers, you might find yourself wondering which of the many tax software options out there is the best one for you. Although all taxpayers must file a return and pay what they owe, there’s no reason to navigate those complicated forms and confusing tax laws alone.
When choosing free tax software, why not go right to the source? The IRS Free File program provides taxpayers with state-of-the-art tax preparation software through an organization called the Free File Alliance. A number of commercial software companies are members of the alliance, including TaxAct and TaxSlayer.
Every year, millions of taxpayers use Free File to quickly, safely and accurately complete their returns. Filers with incomes of $73,000 and below can take advantage of the guided tax preparation option and file a federal return electronically for free via an IRS partner site.
The only Free File option available to those with incomes over $73,000 is Free File Fillable Forms, which is open to taxpayers of all income levels. With Free File Fillable Forms, you’ll get access to federal tax forms, which you can file electronically for free, but you won’t have access to a state tax return option. Before choosing Free File Fillable Forms, keep in mind that the IRS notes that you should do so only if you’re comfortable preparing your own taxes, as you won’t get tax preparation guidance beyond what’s available in instructions and publications provided by the IRS.