Free income tax programs

The IRS-certified volunteers who provide tax counseling are often retired individuals associated with non-profit organizations that receive grants from the IRS. This training includes maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of all taxpayer information.

They also assist taxpayers with the preparation of thousands of Facilitated Self-Assistance returns. Note: Available services can vary at each site due to the availability of volunteers certified with the tax law expertise required for your return. Also, visit the FDIC website for information on where to find a bank that can open an account online and how to choose the right account for you. VITA and TCE sites are generally located at community and neighborhood centers, libraries, schools, shopping malls and other convenient locations across the country.

At select tax sites, taxpayers also have an option to prepare their own basic federal and state tax return for free using web-based tax preparation software with an IRS-certified volunteer to help guide you through the process. The IRS does not endorse any individual partner company. What You Need to Get Started. Personal Information You Need A copy of last year's tax return in order to access your Adjusted Gross Income AGI Valid Social Security numbers for yourself, your spouse, and any dependent, if applicable Income and Receipts Social Security benefits Unemployment Compensation All receipts pertaining to your small business, if applicable Income receipts from rental, real estate, royalties, partnerships, S corporation, trusts Other income W-2s , showing your annual wages from all of your employers Form INT , showing interest paid to you throughout the year Form G , showing any refund, credit or offset of state and local taxes Forms DIV and R , showing dividends and distributions from retirement and other plans paid to you during the year ACA Filers Form A , Health Insurance Marketplace Statement.

Form , Premium Tax Credit File Electronically When self-preparing your taxes and filing electronically, you must sign and validate your electronic tax return. To sign your electronic tax return, use a 5 digit self-select PIN, any five numbers except all zeros that you choose that will which serves as your electronic signature.

By Mail: Mail your tax return, allowing 5 to 10 days for delivery. Contact Information To get a notification from the Free File software company that your return was accepted by IRS, you need a valid email address.

Information Safety. Prior-Year Returns. Related Tools and Information. You can also ask your tax preparer for electronic payment options. If you choose a program and qualify, you will not be charged for preparation and e-filing of a federal tax return.

If you choose this email link and qualify, you will not be charged for preparation and e-filing of a federal tax return. Fees to file your federal return are prohibited: No participant in the Free File Program will charge you anything to file your federal tax return if you qualify.

You will not be asked to buy any products or services for example, promotional rebates in exchange for having your Federal tax return prepared by the Free File program participant. Bank products with fees are not a part of Free File.

As part of IRS Free File, you must not be offered bank products that often carry product fees, such as refund transfer products e.

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How to Start Investing. What to Know about Taxes. By Shelley Elmblad Full Bio LinkedIn Shelley Elmblad is an expert in financial planning, personal finance software, and taxes, with experience researching and teaching savings strategies for over 20 years.

She earned her bachelor's in business administration from the University of Wisconsin and has successfully completed additional coursework and certificates in public administration, computer networking, small business accounting, and small business management.