Every year, millions of taxpayers pay their taxes and file returns. For this, they seek assistance from CPAs, attorneys, and accountants. Tax preparation is expensive but there are several ways taxpayers can access free tax preparation assistance to avoid issues pertaining to erroneous or unfiled tax returns. One such option is the IRS Free File program. Read on as we discuss all you need to know about the IRS Free File Program and how you can benefit from it.
What is the ‘IRS Free File Online’ Program?
The IRS Free File Online Program is a partnership between the IRS and the Free File Alliance to help millions of taxpayers file their taxes without exerting an extra financial burden on them. The Free File Alliance is a non-profit group of leading private-sector tax-prep companies that provide online tax preparation services. This allows taxpayers to use one of these service providers for free to prepare and file their taxes.
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Eligibility to Use Free File Online Program
To be eligible to use the Free File Online program, you must have an adjusted gross income of less than $72,000. According to the IRS, almost 70% of taxpayers are eligible for this program. If you qualify, you need to provide some basic information and select a suitable offer from the service providers to file your taxes for free.
Finding the Best Offers
The IRS provides an easy-to-use Free File Online Lookup Tool that you can use to find the best offers for you. Different Free File partners have different offers depending on your state of residence. Although tax preparation and filing for federal taxes are free, you might have to pay for your state tax preparation. You may also find some partners offering free state tax returns as well.
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Information Security with Free File
The IRS is serious about taxpayer data security and all information is protected from any unauthorized access when it is transferred from a Free File Partner to the IRS. The tax return information you provide the partner can only be used for tax preparation and not for any other purpose without your voluntary consent. Free File partners are also subject to Federal Trade Commission Privacy and Safeguards Rules and IRS e-file regulations.
Wrap Up
Preparing tax returns can be confusing and complex. Handling the exercise on your own can sometimes lead to mistakes and attract problems with the IRS in future. It is recommended to connect with seasoned tax attorneys to get unfiled tax help as they are qualified and experienced to handle the process. The Law Offices of Nick Nemeth has a team of seasoned tax attorneys offering tax assistance to clients in and around Dallas, Texas. To book a free tax attorney consultation, all (972) 426-2553 or fill out our contact form.