Free tax filing: How to file your 2024 return for free

Contributing sentiments towards policy:

59% : Tax Counseling for the Elderly A sister program to VITA, Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) also uses a federal grant to provide free tax preparation services to older taxpayers.
58% : 3. VITA for low-income taxpayers Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) is a program supported by a federal grant that provides free tax preparation to low- and moderate-income taxpayers.
56% : Free or trial versions of tax software If your AGI is above $84,000 or you have other income sources that complicate your tax forms, you can find free options from popular tax brands, including H&R Block, Turbo Tax, Tax Slayer, and TaxAct Free.
55% : Read more: Tax brackets and rates for 2024-2025 Note that for some of these free filing options, a state tax return can involve an additional fee.
53% : Is there a free way to e-file taxes? If you're above the income thresholds for the IRS Free File program, you may be able to use the Direct File program depending on which state you live in.
51% : There are a few eligibility requirements, including income of $67,000 or less, having a disability, or being a limited English speaker in need of tax filing assistance.
50% : Currently, the program only supports certain types of income and deductions, so Direct File is not an option if you have self-employment income, business income, need to itemize deductions, or plan to claim certain types of tax credits like those for college tuition or education expenses, adoption, or energy efficiency upgrades.
49% : Military members, their families, and some veterans may qualify to have taxes filed for free through MilTax, the Department of Defense's free tax software offered in partnership with Military OneSource.
47% : Read more: Tax credit vs. tax deduction: What's the difference and which is better? Federal tax preparation: 2023 filing vs. 2024 filing changes In a news release in late 2024, the IRS released a list of inflation-based adjustments that will apply for the new tax season, including increases in the standard deduction and the income thresholds for marginal tax rates.
46% : A few also support deducting student loan interest, certain types of dividends or savings account earnings, and retirement income.
40% : Deciding which free tax filing option is best involves checking your adjusted gross income or taxable income.
38% : Like IRS Free File, these software options are best for individuals with straightforward tax filings, and they sometimes include free state tax filing.
35% : The good news is that with the expansion of Direct File, you can probably find a free trial version of tax preparation software that'll meet your needs.
34% : Like other free tax filing options listed here, TCE programs are best suited to simple tax returns for those who receive a pension or have retirement-related concerns.

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