What is Free File?
Free File is a free federal income tax preparation and electronic filing program for eligible taxpayers, developed through a partnership between the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Free File Alliance LLC, a group of private sector tax software companies. You may access free commercial online tax preparation and electronic filing services through Eligible taxpayers may prepare and file their federal income tax returns using commercial online software provided by the Free File Alliance companies - not the IRS. Since Free File's debut in 2003, more than 15.4 million returns have been filed through the program saving taxpayers millions of dollars.
What are the benefits of Using Free File?
Using Free File is fast, easy, and safe. Other Free File benefits include:
Is Free File easy to use?
Yes. Free File is easy to use. If you are not able to find a company that you think you may qualify for, you may want to use the "Guide Me To A Company", an interactive tool. If you have trouble choosing a company after scanning the list of companies, you may use the Guide Me To A Company" tool to narrow down your search. Of those who have used Free File, 94% rated the program as "easy to use" and 97% said they would recommend it to a friend or family member.
Who must file electronically or magnetically?
If you are required to file 250 or more information returns, you must file these returns electronically or magnetically. The 250-or-more requirement applies separately to each type of form. For example, if you must file 500 Forms 1098 and 100 Forms 1099-A, you must file Forms 1098 electronically or magnetically, but you are not required to file Forms 1099-A electronically or magnetically. The electronic/magnetic filing requirement does not apply if you request and receive a waiver.