Free Online Tax Filing 2023 - 2024
Today's software developers are offering free online tax filing editions for simple tax return needs. The intent I believe is to get you hooked on their products so that when you upgrade to a paid version you stick with them.
The reality is that pretty much all of these free editions from any developer will work fine
for simple tax filing. But, when you step it up a notch that's where the real difference come
in. Fact is, it's easy to develop basic programs but when you get into deductions and investments
that's when the two big guns shine.
TurboTax and H&R Block stay at the top of the sales chart due to their decades of experience.
Now there are some things you need to know about the free editions that entail some definite limitations. Some of these limitations include:
- No import capabilities: These tax filing programs are very basic and in higher editions you can import previous year return data, w2's and financial data for tax calculations from some spread sheet programs. But with these free editions your limited to manual data entry without import abilities.
- No investor support: These programs are not investor friendly either since there is no support for home ownership, rental properties or investor needs like stocks and bonds. If that's what you need you will have to step up to one of the paid versions to file your return.
- Limited support: While there is still a great deal of support with these editions, if you get confused your still limited to the online communities and help tip sections of their websites, no professional help is included with the free editions.
Top Choices for Online Free Tax Filing Programs
On this page you'll find several software companies offering a wide range of products for you to choose from, including TaxBrain, CompleteTax, TurboTax and H&R Block. Here's just a few highlights of each software:
TurboTax Online Tax Filing 2023 - 2024
TurboTax Free Edition: for simple tax returns only "not all taxpayers qualify" Unlike the paid editions, free online tax filing editions certainly are for a limited type of filing necessities but, if that's all you need, then your in luck to be able to do your taxes for free.
One other point to note is that even though there is no cost to these editions, they still include free efile in most cases. This is a great added feature since this means totally free online tax preparation and filing.
TurboTax Federal Free Edition was designed for simple returns and filers that need little
tax guidance, regardless of income level. TurboTax “simple tax returns only” Free Edition is the easy way to get free
online tax return preparation. It suggests tax credits you may be eligible for to get your refund
as big as possible, guaranteed.
Please note that the Free Edition does not cover tax return schedules C, D, E, and F that required
for people who own a business or have sold investments.
TurboTax simplifies the decision for deciding which tax forms you need to file. Just answer
simple questions and TurboTax properly fills out the correct forms for you.
Most Commonly-Filed IRS Tax Forms and Schedules
Federal Free Editions Includes These Commonly Used Tax Forms:
- Form 1040 Individual Income Tax Return
- Schedule A Itemized Deductions
- Form 1040AIndividual Income Tax Return.
- Schedule B Interest & Dividend Income
- Form 1040EZ Income Tax Return for Single and Joint Filers With No Dependents
- Schedule EIC Earned Income Credit
H&R Block Free Online Tax Filing 2023 - 2024
H&R Block Free Edition: Now I'm not real
up on these since I have never been one to qualify since I have many investments, but from what
I have read and users I have talked to, there is no doubt they could work well for those with
simple return needs like filing a 1040ez.
HR Block Federal Free Edition offers tax filers a simple way to prepare and file their return online for free.
HR Block At Home is the best solution for first-time filers with simple tax returns. It includes Accuracy Review™.
Free Edition works well for simple tax returns that exclude self-employment income (Schedule C), rental and royalty income (Schedule E), farm income (Schedule F) and shareholder / partnership income or loss (Schedule K-1).
H&R Block At Home™ and H&R Block Best of Both (SM) prices are ultimately determined at the
time of print or e-file. All prices are subject to change without notice.
- FREE to prepare, FREE to print, FREE to e-file
- FREE expert advice from community tax specialists
- FREE audit support and representation from enrolled H&R Block agents
- 100% Accuracy Guarantee and Maximum Refund Guarantee
- 1 federal e-file included. State returns available for additional charge.
H&R Block (Free File version)
H&R Block Free File provides free access to the HR Block At Home software. Users have access to all of H&R Block's tax preparation tools, forms, and tips.
The H&R Block Free File software is easy to use and fast. Adding a state return costs extra. We saw no marketing pressure to upgrade to a paid version. Overall, H&R Block is one of the very best free file software programs available. Highly recommended for simple low income tax filing.
Free program for simple tax needs, step-by-step guidance:
TaxAct
- The 1040 EZ is for single or married taxpayers with no kids,
E-Smart-Tax
- Free version for those filing the 1040 EZ with no children or dependants, the Free File offers
quick and accurate income tax calculations in an interview-based software format.
IRS Free File Income Tax Software
Another choice is to prepare and file your return with free tax software programs by using one of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Free File partner programs. The IRS teamed up with many participating tax software companies to make tax preparation free or low-cost for most Americans based on income limitations.
This
IRS Free File tax filing programs provides free federal income tax preparation and electronic
filing for eligible taxpayers that meet certain criteria.
Through a partnership between the Internal Revenue Service and the Free File Alliance LLC, a group of private sector tax software brands that offer tax preparation services that allow tax filers to prepare simple federal tax returns for free.
Over and above these IRS free file offerings, some of these software developers also offer free editions that don't have income limitations, like TurboTax and HR Block. These unlimited income free editions shouldn't be confused with the free file editions.
For tax filers with lower incomes looking for the IRS free file programs, here's where you need to go IRS Free File.
Final Free Tax Filing Review Roundup
So do the math, got a simple return? do it for free! Save more hard earned cash...
Here on our website were glad to help you analyze what may be the best choice for you in order to make your filing process as clean and stress-less as possible. After all, simplicity is definitely not over rated.
At any rate, I'm a fan of both TurboTax and H&R Block since I have used both many times for myself, friends and family. What I can tell you from personal experience is that they both offer great formatting and simple return preparation, regardless of what edition you choose.
Free File is another option that is government backed for free tax filing.Are you eligible for Free File!
Let Free File do the hard work for you with brand-name software or online Fill-able Forms. You can prepare and e-file your federal return for free. Participating software companies make their products available through the IRS. Some also support state tax returns.
By following the steps below, you'll be on your way to preparing and e-filing your federal tax return for free!
Gather Your Tax Information.
You need a copy of last year's tax return, your W-2s, 1099s, etc.
Choose a Free File Option
Prepare and transmit your return electronically by using secure IRS e-file
