Every dollar spent on tax preparation or a refund bank product is a dollar less of your refund. For many households, the cost of filing can be cut to zero. Free filing options have existed for years, but surveys and IRS outreach suggest many eligible people still pay for help they could get for free. Here are the main options and who they serve.
IRS Free File (guided software)
IRS Free File is a partnership between the IRS and private tax software companies. If your adjusted gross income is under the limit the IRS sets for that year, you can use a participating company's guided software to prepare and e-file your federal return at no charge. Some partners also offer a free state return.
A few tips:
- Start at IRS.gov/FreeFile. Going directly to a software company's own website can land you in a paid product instead of the Free File version.
- Check each partner's own eligibility rules. Partners may set limits based on age, state or the forms you need.
- Decline upsells you don't need, such as paid audit support or refund transfer products.
Free File Fillable Forms
If your income is above the Free File limit and you are comfortable with tax forms, Free File Fillable Forms is an IRS option open to all income levels. It is essentially electronic versions of paper forms with basic math. It gives little guidance, so it suits people who already know which forms they need.
VITA: Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
VITA sites are run by community organisations with IRS support. IRS-certified volunteers prepare and e-file basic returns for free for people who generally earn below an income threshold set each year, people with disabilities and taxpayers with limited English. VITA volunteers are particularly familiar with the Earned Income Tax Credit and child-related credits, which are common sources of errors on self-prepared returns.
TCE: Tax Counseling for the Elderly
TCE offers similar free help with a focus on older taxpayers, with volunteers who specialise in pensions and retirement-related questions. Many TCE sites are operated through AARP Foundation Tax-Aide. You don't need to be a member to use it.
MilTax for the military community
Service members, many veterans and eligible family members can use MilTax, a free tax preparation and e-filing service provided through the Department of Defense, which also offers access to tax consultants.
Finding a free site and what to bring
The IRS has a locator for VITA and TCE sites on IRS.gov, and many sites run by appointment from late January through the April deadline. Bring:
- Photo ID and Social Security cards or ITIN letters for everyone on the return
- All W-2s, 1099s and other income statements
- Last year's return, if you have it
- Your bank's routing and account numbers for direct deposit
- For a joint return, both spouses (in most cases) to sign
How free filing affects your refund
With no preparation fee to deduct, there is no reason to route your refund through a temporary bank account. You can have the IRS deposit it straight into your own account, which is generally the fastest method; the IRS says most e-filed returns with direct deposit are issued in less than 21 days. You keep the full amount the IRS sends, minus any legally required offsets for past-due debts.
Is free filing right for every return?
Free programs focus on common situations. Complex returns, such as some self-employment, rental property or multi-state situations, may be outside a VITA site's scope or a Free File product's coverage. In that case, compare paid options carefully and ask for the full fee in writing before work begins.
This article is general information, not tax advice. TaxRefund4Cash is not a tax preparer and is not affiliated with the IRS. Check current eligibility rules on IRS.gov.