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:

Share:

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. 

Latest Posts
6 tax moves to consider this June

June 3, 2026

Definitely take a break this June. But taxes don’t take vacations. So, you also should…

Read More
Tax Season 2026 Continues!

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