IRS Free File allows taxpayers to submit their tax returns electronically through an approved e-file provider. Those who want to file taxes electronically but don’t want to pay have the option to free file.
For the 2023 taxes you’re going to file in 2024, the IRS has ten different e-file providers. Each of these e-file providers has different eligibility requirements for submitting your tax return for free. Generally, if your Adjusted Gross Income is less than $69,000, you will be qualified to file a tax return electronically without paying for it.
e-File Providers (Free File)
With the IRS Free File program, you can file taxes with any of the following e-file providers.
- 1040NOW
- FileYourTaxes.com
- Free 1040 Tax Return
- FreeTaxUSA
- H&R Block
- Online Taxes at OLT.com
- TaxAct
- TaxSlayer
- TurboTax
- ezTaxReturn.com
To file taxes through Free File, your AGI must be less than $69,000. This applies to e-file providers other than FreeTaxUSA, TaxAct, and TurboTax.
FreeTaxUSA Maximum AGI: $36,000
TaxAct Maximum AGI: $59,000
TurboTax Maximum AGI: $36,000
This is the initial requirement though. There are a few other things that must suit you. For example, you cannot itemize when filing a tax return with most of these e-file providers. In addition to claiming the standard deduction, you are oftentimes required to be eligible for Earned Income Tax Credit.
However, if you’re active military personnel, you can file taxes through Free File if your AGI is less than the required limit. While you may not be eligible to file taxes for free if you earn more than the AGI limit, there is a discount for active military personnel when having to pay. For example, TurboTax offers a $5 discount. It surely isn’t much but certainly better than nothing.
Click here to learn about the e-file providers.
Those who are wondering whether or not they should file their tax returns electronically or on paper should read this.
The above article will give you enough reasons to why you should file a tax return electronically.