Lesson 3 of 3 · 2 minute read
How to file for free
Free ways to file, and how to avoid paying for "free" tax software.
You shouldn’t have to pay to file a simple tax return. Here are your free options.
Free help from a person
VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) sites have IRS-certified volunteers who prepare and file your return for free. They’re generally for people who make about $69,000 or less, people with disabilities, and people who speak limited English. TCE sites focus on people 60 and older. Most sites are open from late January to April.
Bring your photo ID, Social Security cards or numbers for everyone on the return, your W-2 formA form from your employer that shows what you earned last year and how much tax was taken out. You use it to file your taxes.More in the glossary and 1099 formA form that shows money you were paid as a contractor or gig worker, or other income like interest. Usually no tax was taken out.More in the glossary, and last year’s return if you have it.
Free software
- IRS Free File gives you brand-name tax software for free if your income is $89,000 or less. Start from the IRS Free File page. If you go straight to a company’s website, you might end up in a paid version.
- Free File Fillable Forms are free for any income, but there’s no step-by-step help.
Watch out for these costs
- “Free” software that charges you partway through, for a state return or certain forms.
- Refund advances and “refund transfers.” Some tax preparers offer to get you money faster, for a fee. Ask exactly what it costs. Filing online with Direct depositWhen your paycheck goes straight into your bank or credit union account, with no paper check.More in the glossary is usually the fastest free way to get your refund.
You shouldn't have to pay to file a simple tax return. VITA and TCE sites have IRS-certified volunteers who can do it for free.
VITA is mostly for people with lower incomes, people with disabilities, and people who speak limited English. TCE sites focus on people 60 and older.
Bring your photo ID and Social Security numbers. Bring your W-2 formA form from your employer that shows what you earned last year and how much tax was taken out. You use it to file your taxes.More in the glossary, your 1099 formA form that shows money you were paid as a contractor or gig worker, or other income like interest. Usually no tax was taken out.More in the glossary, and last year's return if you have it.
IRS Free File gives free tax software if your income is under a limit. Start from the IRS website, or you might end up paying.
Watch for surprise fees partway through and costly refund advances. Direct depositWhen your paycheck goes straight into your bank or credit union account, with no paper check.More in the glossary is usually the fastest free way to get your refund.