Tax Season Kicks Off Monday—How to File for Free Online if You Earn $84K or Less

There are programs available to help people who made $84K or less last year file their federal taxes for free.

If your adjusted gross income (AGI) was $84,000 or less, you can use one of the Free File IRS partner offers to file a free federal tax return. Some of the programs offer free state returns too.

The IRS has aFree File Online Lookup Toolthat can help you find an offer that you qualify for. The IRS starts accepting and processing individual tax returns on Jan. 27, 2025.

About the IRS Free File Program

IRS Free File is a partnership between the IRS and the Free File Alliance. The Free File Alliance is a group of private-sector tax preparation companies that agreed to provide free commercial online tax preparation and electronic filing. After you choose a program from the IRS website, then you will be redirected to the provider’s website.

Is it really free?

Tax Season Kicks Off Monday—How to File for Free Online if You Earn $84K or Less

According to the IRS, if you qualify for the Free File federal return offer you must not be charged for the preparation and e-filing of a federal tax return.

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You could still be charged fees for state taxes, but the company must say that you’ll be charged those fees. Some programs do include offers for free state tax filings.

Are these programs safe?

The IRS says that yes, they are. Your information is protected from unauthorized access when sent to the IRS. The companies may not disclose or use your tax return information without your informed consent.

The companies are also subject to the Federal Trade Commission Privacy and Safeguards Rules and IRS e-file regulations, according to the IRS.

As tax season officially kicks off on Monday, many Americans are preparing to file their taxes for the 2024 year. If you earned $84,000 or less in 2024, there’s good news: you may be eligible to file your taxes online for free through the IRS Free File program, saving you the cost of hiring a tax preparer or purchasing tax software.

Tax season can often be a stressful time for many, but the availability of free filing options is a valuable resource that can help ease the burden. If you meet the income requirements, filing your taxes online for free is easy, fast, and secure. Here’s everything you need to know about how to take advantage of these free filing options.

What is IRS Free File?

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The IRS Free File program is a partnership between the IRS and a group of trusted tax preparation companies that offer free, online tax filing for individuals and families with an income of $84,000 or less. The program provides access to a variety of online tools that make it easy for taxpayers to file their returns, claim deductions, and ensure they’re getting the maximum refund.

The Free File program offers two main options:

Free File Online Software: This option is available through IRS partners and is ideal for those who prefer to have their taxes prepared using user-friendly software. This option can help guide you through the tax filing process and ensure you don’t miss out on any important deductions or credits.
Free Fillable Forms: For those who are comfortable preparing their taxes manually, the IRS offers free fillable forms that allow you to complete your return online. This option is best for people who are familiar with the tax filing process or have simple tax situations.

How to Qualify for Free Filing

To qualify for IRS Free File, your adjusted gross income (AGI) must be $84,000 or less. This includes individuals, married couples, and heads of household. If you earn more than this amount, you won’t be eligible for the Free File program, but there are still other options for filing your taxes at a lower cost.

The IRS recommends checking their website to find the exact income requirements and to see which Free File software programs are available for your filing needs. Each participating software provider may have specific requirements based on factors like your income, age, and whether you qualify for certain credits, like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).

How to File for Free Online

Visit the IRS Free File Website: The first step is to go to the IRS Free File webpage, which is available starting Monday, January 29. On this page, you’ll find links to several IRS-approved software providers.
Choose a Software Provider: The IRS Free File program partners with a variety of tax preparation companies that provide free filing options for eligible taxpayers. These companies include well-known names like TurboTax, H&R Block, and TaxSlayer, along with other lesser-known providers.
Follow the Instructions: Once you’ve selected a provider, you’ll be prompted to create an account and begin filling out your tax return. The software will walk you through the process, asking questions about your income, deductions, credits, and filing status to ensure that your return is accurate.
Submit Your Return: After you’ve completed your return, review it carefully before submitting it electronically. Filing electronically is the quickest way to get your refund, and the IRS typically processes e-filed returns faster than paper returns.
Track Your Refund: After filing, you can track your refund status through the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool, which will let you know when your refund is processed and when you can expect to receive it.

Benefits of Filing for Free Online

Filing your taxes online for free offers several advantages:

Convenience: You can file your taxes from the comfort of your own home, without needing to visit a tax preparer.
Accuracy: Tax software helps ensure you don’t miss any important deductions or credits, reducing the chances of errors on your return.
Fast Refunds: E-filing typically leads to faster processing and quicker refunds, especially if you choose direct deposit.
Security: Filing through IRS-approved providers ensures that your sensitive tax information is kept safe and secure.

Additional Resources for Filers

If you need help while preparing your taxes, the IRS offers resources to guide you through the process. You can visit the IRS website for detailed instructions, FAQs, and links to help articles. Additionally, the IRS provides a free help line (1-800-829-1040) for tax-related questions. For those who need extra assistance, there are nonprofit organizations that offer free tax help for eligible individuals, such as the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

Key Dates to Remember

January 29, 2024: The IRS officially begins accepting 2024 tax returns.
April 15, 2024: The deadline to file your tax return (unless you apply for an extension).

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to file your taxes for free if you meet the income qualifications. Tax season may feel like a hassle, but with IRS Free File, you can simplify the process and avoid the costs of paid tax prep. Filing early could also help you get your refund sooner—just in time to help with any financial goals for the year.

Tax season is officially here—take advantage of the free resources available to you, and file your taxes with ease!

About The Author

Marcus Barnes

Marcus Barnes Networks is a leading force in hyperlocal news, delivering comprehensive coverage across New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and beyond. Known for its unwavering commitment to providing the latest updates on US news, weather, traffic, politics, and investigative reporting, the network ensures its audience stays informed 24/7. Whether it’s breaking news or in-depth coverage on local issues, Marcus Barnes Networks offers award-winning, real-time content that connects people with their communities.
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