IRS Tax Tip 2022-24, February 14, 2022
For taxpayers on a fixed income, every penny matters. Many of these are seniors and retirees who can file their taxes for free. IRS Free File provides free online tax preparation software for taxpayers with income of $73,000 or less in 2021.
Here are some facts about these programs to help these taxpayers determine which one fits their needs:
- IRS Free File is available on IRS.gov and features commercial tax preparation software providers. This year, there are eight products in English and two in Spanish
- Taxpayers can browse each of the offers or use the lookup tool to help them find the right product.
- Each IRS Free File partner sets its own eligibility standards. These are generally based on income, age and state residency. All taxpayers whose adjusted gross income was $73,000 or less will find at least one free product to use.
- IRS Free File online software supports the most common forms that can be filed electronically. This means that even if someone’s tax return is a bit more complex, they can still use a free service.
- IRS Free File offers the new Form 1040-SR option for seniors over the age of 65.
- IRS Free File providers also offer state income tax return preparation, some for free and some for a fee. Taxpayers can also use the lookup tool to find the right state product.
- Taxpayers can use their smart phone or tablet to do their taxes. They just need to go to the IRS Free File page on IRS.gov from their portable device. All IRS Free File products are enabled for mobile devices.
MilTax online software is also available to certain veterans, regardless of income, and is offered through the Department of Defense. MilTax allows eligible taxpayers to prepare and file their federal income tax returns and up to three state income tax returns for free.
Qualified taxpayers, generally those earning $58,000 or less, can also have their taxes prepared in person for free. Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly sites are generally located at community and neighborhood centers, libraries, schools, shopping malls and other convenient locations across the country. Taxpayers can go to IRS Free Tax Preparation page of IRS.gov and use the available site locator tools to find a location near them.