Free tax filing of federal and state returns

April 13, 2011

Around 70 percent of us e-file our federal tax returns. And since most states expect tax returns this time of year, too, most folks also e-file their state taxes.

The IRS' Free File program makes it possible for taxpayers whose 2010 adjusted gross income was $58,000 or less (regardless of filing status) to file federal tax returns at no cost, but what about your state return?

Some of the Free File providers do offer free state tax preparation and e-filing in conjunction with federal returns at the IRS.gov filing portal.

But you probably should check directly with your state tax department first.

Most states offer e-filing. In fact, they are as aggressive (or more) as the IRS in pushing folks into the electronic tax world.

And many of them offer free e-filing directly from the states' official tax department websites.

The Federation of Tax Administrations has a clickable map with links to state e-filing options.

FTA_state_map_efiling 

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We made it. Tax Day 2025 is finally over. For most of us. When the filing season started on Jan. 26, millions who were expecting refunds filed immediately. Most of us got our returns to the Internal Revenue Service by April 15. But plenty of taxpayers also got extensions. They are looking at an Oct. 15 filing deadline.

Those procrastinating filers aren’t a problem. In fact, the IRS appreciates taxpayers who take time to fill out their 1040 forms correctly. It also is grateful that tax submissions are spread out a bit, especially now that the IRS is a leaner agency. Processing returns is easier when they arrive throughout the year instead of in massive bunches.

But enough about Uncle Sam’s tax collection issues. The focus now is on all y’all who filed for extensions, giving you another six months to complete your return. Since your new mid-October due date will be here before you know it, let’s get started now on meeting it.

The ol’ blog is here to help you finish up your extended Form 1040. You can start with January’s tax tips page, which has links to the rest of the year’s tips by-month collections. You also can peruse various tax categories for more tailored advice by clicking on the More Tax Posts drop-down menu at the top of this (and every) page.

And to make sure you don’t miss your new filing deadline, the count-down clock below will let you know just how much time you to file by Oct. 15. At the latest.e. (Note: I’m in the Central Time Zone, so adjust accordingly for where you live.)

Credits/Deductions
Disasters
Family
Filing and Paying Taxes
Politics/Laws
Refunds
State Taxes
Tax Brackets/Inflation
Tax Tips
Comments
  • 2011 Tax Filing
    15 years ago

    Wow this is the great source for my family for e filing but how can i check my tax refund status online. I also want to file my business taxes but i have no perfect source.

  • gomsygeorge
    15 years ago

    You just explained everything in very smart and funny way.I really liked three things in your site.First is that map.Second the watch that shows how much time is remaining and last but not the least the weekly tax tip.

Comments are closed.