A free online tax filing service can help you file your taxes easily and inexpensively, saving you time and money on accountant fees and other expenses.
This article will take you through everything you need to know about free online tax filing so that when the next time tax season rolls around, you’ll be able to do it yourself without any problems!
What Is Free Tax Filing?
There are many misconceptions about what free tax filing actually means. For example, some people think you have to be a low-income earner to qualify, but that’s not true.
Anyone can use free online tax filing and if your income is at or below an amount set by law (for example, if you made less than $62,000 in 2014), you won’t even need to file a return.
Some programs provide free help filling out your return and preparing a payment, while others just offer advice on how much you owe or refunds you may be owed.
Who Can File Their Taxes for Free?
Every year, millions of Americans file their taxes using software or a tax preparer and pay big bucks. But is there really any need for that?
If you have simple taxes and make under $64,000 a year as a single filer, then yes: The IRS offers free filing options that can save you money.
In fact, if your income falls below $32,000 (married filing jointly), you are eligible for free federal filing.
5 Benefits of Free Online Tax Filing
While paying taxes isn’t anyone’s favorite thing to do, it’s necessary if you want to pay for the things that keep your country up and running. However, having to deal with forms and complicated filing processes can make it even more stressful than it already is.
Fortunately, you don’t have to go through the hassle of preparing taxes on your own anymore thanks to free online tax filing services.
In addition to saving you both time and money, these benefits will make filing your taxes seem like less of a chore this year!
1 – Accurate
If you’re one of those people who knows they need to do your taxes but hate it so much that you’re tempted to just ignore it, then online tax filing might be for you. If done correctly, there’s no reason why your online tax return should be any less accurate than one filled out by hand.
More than 30 million Americans used H&R Block’s free online tax filing, and more than 90% found their refunds faster using such online software. The sooner you file, the sooner you’ll get your refund and break even on paying for our services.
2 – Free Online Tax Filing Makes The Process Easy
One of my favorite things about e-filing is that it allows you to do your taxes from home, at your convenience. As long as you have an internet connection and a computer, tax filing online is a piece of cake.
By contrast, traditional paper filing requires tons of planning and can take several hours to complete. It’s usually better for e-filers because there’s no need to wait in line or drive somewhere else. All one needs to do is fill out some forms online and then file them with the IRS.
Another benefit: Your job can be done from anywhere, whether you’re working from home, hanging out at a friend’s house, or on vacation – there are no geographical limitations!
3 – Online Tax Filing is Inexpensive
Whether you choose to hire a professional accountant or file your taxes yourself, filing taxes can be a very expensive endeavor. Online tax filing is becoming more and more popular because it allows people to do their own taxes for free – saving you from paying someone else to handle it.
Not only will using online tax software save you money, but it’ll also allow you to get your refund faster! And that’s never a bad thing. The earlier you file your taxes, the sooner you can get your refund! No one likes waiting around for their money, so don’t let tax season slow down your cash flow!
4 – Fast
People are always in a hurry, and we get it. With online tax filing softwares, you can complete your taxes in less than half the time for free that it would take to prepare them with a tax professional (which doesn’t include accountant fees!).
In fact, users who file their taxes on their own typically get their refunds back within three weeks! And speaking of getting things done fast—you don’t even have to wait until tax season. You can start preparing and filing as soon as October 1st.
5 – Convenient
Perhaps one of the biggest benefits of using a free online tax filing service is convenience. You can work when it’s convenient for you, not when it’s convenient for your local tax preparer. This flexibility makes filing taxes much easier and more enjoyable than filing with a professional.
If you have questions about how to file your taxes online, then check out our step-by-step guide on how to file your own taxes.
Ease your tax burden with these 4 best online tax filing services
If you don’t want to spend your time and money paying someone else to file your taxes, or if you simply don’t have the money in the first place, here are 4 free online tax filing services that can help.
Don’t wait until it’s too late to file for an extension; use these free online tax filing services as soon as possible, and have your income taxes done before you know it!
1: FreeTaxUSA
This is by far one of the most favorite methods of filing taxes. It provides you with a simple and easy interface, as well as a personal guide throughout to help you file your return correctly. The site will even let you know if anything is missing or incorrect in order to make sure that when you submit it, it’s accepted by IRS.
2: Credit Karma Tax
Credit Karma makes it really easy to get in, quickly file and pay. Credit Karma Tax is perfect for individuals and families that want a no-hassle way to file and meet their federal income tax obligations.
Filing can be done entirely on a mobile device; there’s no need to download additional software or purchase an app. You simply answer questions about yourself, your family, and address changes. After answering these questions, do the following;
- Select any deductions you may qualify for (it will automatically deduct them from your refund amount)
- Agree to have some of your refunds sent directly to a bank account or applied as an electronic deposit, then submit.
If you have a user ID from Credit Karma, you can simply log in—there’s no need to create yet another account at another site!
3: TaxSlayer
TaxSlayer is a free online tax filing service that offers both federal and state tax returns. TaxSlayer is a good choice for those who want a simple, easy way to file their taxes.
The main difference between TaxSlayer and other free filing sites is that TaxSlayer does not offer any additional paid services such as audit protection or payment plan support.
However, this can be advantageous for those who already have access to these features through other means (such as employers), or simply don’t need them for their personal returns.
TaxSlayer also offers customers the convenience of being able to file with just one click on your computer or mobile device. So you don’t need to wait around while waiting in line at the post office or sorting through piles of paper documents in order to submit your forms!
4: TurboTax
If you’re looking for a free tax filing service, TurboTax is an excellent choice. The site is user-friendly and easy to navigate. It offers free federal filing and state filing with no upcharge.
You can also e-file your taxes directly from the site for no additional fee by using their TurboTax Online software or mobile app—a major benefit since most other sites charge extra for this service.
See more For more information about TurboTax.
Bottom Line
When you’re filling out your taxes, the process can be a complex, difficult feat. Thankfully, there are free online tax filing services that can make this tedious task easier and less stressful. But, the above online tax filing services offer numerous advantages, and they eliminate complication in favor of convenience.
You should consider giving them a shot next year when you find yourself finishing up your taxes. You’ll likely be quite happy you did.
