Since 2003, the IRS has partnered with the private sector to bring the Free File program to American Taxpayers. Free File enables taxpayers with an adjusted gross income of $64,000 or less (which is approximately 70 percent of the nation) to use brand-name tax filing software for absolutely free. Since 2003, more than 49 million people used Free File, saving more than $1.4 billion. At Polston Tax, it's our pleasure to bring services like these to our clients' attention, and to answer any questions they might have.
Here's a quick rundown of Free File:
(By the way, if you happen to have an adjusted gross income that exceeds $64,000, the IRS still allows you to use Free File Fillable Forms, (https://www.irs.gov/uac/before-starting-free-file-fillable-forms) the electronic version of paper forms.)
First, go to irs.gov/freefile, and choose either Free File Software (under $64,000) or Free File Fillable Forms (above $64,000).
Next, decide which tax-filing software best suits your needs. There are 12 Free File providers, and each set different criteria for using their product. These criteria vary based on income, age, or state residency. Visit the Free Fill Software Lookup Tool, fill out your information, and the IRS will determine which software works best with you.
If you're active duty military personnel for 2017, the IRS allows you to use any Free Fill software regardless of criteria.
Once you're set up, follow the steps provided by your chosen software.
You can find more information about the Free File System on their official website.
The IRS works with Free File to ensure that taxpayers have more choices for filing both state and federal taxes. If you live in a state without income tax (Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Texas, Washington, Wyoming), then you only need Free File's federal tax products.
Not only does Free File help walk taxpayers through the preparation process, it also helps taxpayers identify tax changes that might affect their return.
This year, the biggest change is that the IRS must withhold all refunds that contain the Earned Income Tax Credit, or an Additional Child Tax Credit.
In addition, taxpayers must report their healthcare coverage. For each month in 2016, taxpayers must either: Report health care coverage, or claim an exemption for coverage, or report a shared responsibility payment. Though, most will simply have to check a box to report health care coverage for the entire year.
Like the IRS, we here at Polston Tax always strive to make the tax filing process simpler and smoother. If you have any questions on filing your taxes using the Free File System, be sure to browse our services page and fill out the form for a free consultation. Or give us a call at 844-841-9857. We're open 8am-5pm Central!