IRS Tax Tip: How to File Your Taxes for Free

Editor’s note: The following information is provided by the IRS. We'll provide a new IRS tax tip every day this week leading up to the April 17 deadline. 

Free File Still Available for Last-Minute Filers 

The tax deadline is fast approaching and even though the April 17 deadline offers a couple of extra days this year, the IRS wants to remind taxpayers who haven't filed yet that IRS Free File is still available.

For people who find taxes a little too taxing, IRS Free File offers free software to prepare and e-file your taxes for free. Get started at IRS.gov/freefile. Here are four tips about IRS Free File.

1. Free File Does the Hard Work for You Free File is a partnership between the IRS and leading tax software providers who make their brand-name products available for free. You don’t need to be a tax expert; the software will help find tax breaks for you, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit. The software asks the questions; you supply the answers. It will find the right tax forms and do the math.

2. Access to Free File products You must access the Free File products through www.irs.gov to avoid any charges for preparing or e-filing your federal tax return. Once you choose a Free File software product, you'll be directed away from the IRS website to the partner’s site to prepare, print and e-file your federal return – all for free.

• Free options for all There is a free option for everyone. People who make $57,000 or less, which includes most Americans, can use the Free File software. People who make more can use Free File Fillable Forms, an electronic version of IRS paper forms.
• Free Extensions Taxpayers who can’t make the April 17 deadline can request an extension. Making the request is easy and free through IRS Free File. Just look for “free extensions” in the company offers. Remember, this is an extension of time to file your return, not to pay. If you think you owe, make a payment with your extension request. 

Get all the information you need about IRS Free File at IRS.gov/freefile.

Individuals in and Minnesota can check here to find out where to send your individual returns for 2012 if filing through the mail. For tax assistance in Rosemount, search our local directory.

Also see:

for tax tips on the Earned Income Tax Credit.