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Free tax preparation, e-filing also available in some states

January 16, 2015

Today's big tax news is that Free File is now open to qualifying taxpayers.

Free File poster via IRS-Free File AllianceFourteen tax software companies are offering their services to help you prepare and file your 2014 federal tax return at no charge.

They are, in alphabetical order, 1040.com, 1040NOW, ezTaxReturn, FileYourTaxes.com, Free1040TaxReturn, FreeTaxUSA, H&R Block, Jackson Hewitt, Liberty Tax Service, OLT.com, Tax Simple, TaxACT, TaxSlayer, and TurboTax.

Remember, these versions are not the same as the companies' for-sale products, online or on store shelves. They are designed for the Free File program.

You can get an idea of what Free File services they are offering at the 2015 Free File partners overview page.

Many go with the maximum $60,000 adjusted gross income threshold, but some have a lower earnings cut-off. And others apply only to residents of specific states.

So be sure to carefully check each Free File offering and make sure you pick the one that meets both your federal and state tax preparation and filing needs.

Separate state participation: Ah, yes. State taxes. Most states collect personal income taxes.

And most of them follow the federal deadlines. That means that tax returns in most states are due by April 15.

The Internal Revenue Service notes that some of the federal Free File tax software providers include state tax return preparation in their packages, while some charge a fee to fill out and file state forms. Again, pay close attention to what's available — and at no cost — before making your Free File choice at the IRS website.

Some states also participate on their own in Free File programs similar to the federal system. According to IRS Free File, the 21 states, and Washington, D.C., that have their own state-specific Free File deals are:

Even if you can't prepare your state return for free, you still are likely to be able to file electronically at no cost through your state's official tax website. Check with your state's tax department for details.

You also might find these items of interest:

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The More Tax Posts tab at the top of this page will take you to, well, more tax posts. You also can search below for a tax topic. 

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TAX-SAVVY WAYS 
TO WRAP UP 2026

It’s over! With October’s extended filing deadline behind us, it is now time to focus on year-end moves to reduce your 2026 tax bill. 

You’ll find ways to do just that on the Tax Tips page (see the More Tax Posts drop-down menu at the top of the blog), as well as the separate tax tip pages for each month, notably October through December. If you’re on the Tax Tips page, you’ll find a monthly list at the end of this column. If you’re on another blog page, you can head straight to the October tips; at the bottom of that tips page you’ll find links to all the other 11 months’ collections of tax advice.

Not to spoil what you’ll find in that tax advice, but it does cover such things as tax deductions for charitable donations, investment moves that could reduce tax due, and ways to max out your tax-favored retirement savings. 

Finally, as the year winds down, things get hectic. There are lots of other things to occupy our time, like the much more fun upcoming holidays. But don’t lose sight of taxes, since timing is key. To be of use, most tax moves must be made by the end of the tax year. That’s Thursday, Dec. 31, which also is the last business day of the year. 

So that you don’t miss that final tax year deadline, also keep an eye on the countdown clock below. It will keep you on top of just how much time is left to make important, tax-saving moves. (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
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