Free income tax program

Many folks don't realize that the IRS offers taxpayers a free file option. While the options have yet to be announced on the IRS website, it's been confirmed that TurboTax is no longer an option.

Check back with the IRS website for the most up-to-date information on filing taxes. But be aware that additional services can come at a cost if you're filing a more complex return. According to the TurboTax website , the free edition is ideal for those using a W-2 form. Note: Available services can vary at each site due to the availability of volunteers certified with the tax law expertise required for your return.

Also, visit the FDIC website for information on where to find a bank that can open an account online and how to choose the right account for you. VITA and TCE sites are generally located at community and neighborhood centers, libraries, schools, shopping malls and other convenient locations across the country. At select tax sites, taxpayers also have an option to prepare their own basic federal and state tax return for free using web-based tax preparation software with an IRS-certified volunteer to help guide you through the process.

This option is only available at locations that list "Self-Prep" in the site listing. Credit Cards Saving for Retirement in Your 20s. How to Start Investing. What to Know about Taxes. By Shelley Elmblad Full Bio LinkedIn Shelley Elmblad is an expert in financial planning, personal finance software, and taxes, with experience researching and teaching savings strategies for over 20 years. She earned her bachelor's in business administration from the University of Wisconsin and has successfully completed additional coursework and certificates in public administration, computer networking, small business accounting, and small business management.

Learn about our editorial policies. Reviewed by Erika Rasure. Learn about our Financial Review Board. Pros Real-time refund results W-2 photo capture A step-by-step guide to completing your taxes Advice on common deductions and credits, including the earned income tax credit and the child tax credit.

Cons Must upgrade to paid versions of the software to use DeductionPro, which optimizes the benefits of your charitable donations Cannot import B investment income including cost basis Must upgrade for self-employment or small business income support Doesn't support simple expenses for freelancers and independent contractors.

Cons Doesn't offer investment income filing No photo import option for W-2 income data Noncash charitable donations and like-kind exchanges aren't included in free software. Pros Provides access to multiple tax filing software for free Free state filing depending on your income level and the offer you choose. Cons Limits to gross income may mean you earn too much to qualify for use Taxpayers with higher incomes may need to fill out forms by hand without software guidance.

TaxSlayer SimplyFree Edition The paid versions of TaxSlayer are worth considering—they're among the cheapest options you'll find, and they cover many tax situations. Form G Unemployment Income and other government payments. Form Employee Business Expenses. Form Child and Dependent Care Expenses. Form Foreign Earned Income. Form Moving Expenses. Form Tax on Unreported Tip Income. Form Depreciation and Amortization. Form Casualties and Theft. Form Tax on Lump-Sum Distributions.

Form Residential Energy Credits. Form Alternative Minimum Tax. Form Non-cash Charitable Contributions. Form Mortgage Interest Credit. Form Nondeductible IRAs. Savings Bonds. Form Qualified Electric Vehicle Credit. Form Qualified Adoption Expenses. Form Carryforward of D.

First-Time Homebuyer Credit. Form Education Credits. Form Health Coverage Tax Credit. Form Health Savings Account. Form Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit. Form Allocation of Community Property Amounts. Form Additional Medicare Tax. Form Net Investment Income Tax. Form Premium Tax Credit. Schedule H Household Employment Taxes. Schedule R Credit for Elderly or Disabled. Form Qualified Business Income Deduction.

Form B Proceeds from Broker Transactions. Form Investment Credit. Form General Business Credit. Form Recapture of Investment Credit. Form Sales of Business Property. Form Farm Rental Income and Expenses. Form At-Risk Limitations. Form Installment Sale Income. Form Low-Income Housing Credit.

Form Like-Kind Exchange. Schedules K-1 Form Estates and Trusts. Schedule F Profit or Loss from Farming. Minimum Operating Systems and Browsers Windows.