We’ve found free tax filing for low income Americans! You could file your taxes for FREE with these tools as long as you meet the income requirements.
It is important to realize that even if you don’t owe taxes, you could get a refund! That means the government owes you! However, if you do not file your taxes within three years you will lose your refund. Even worse, if you do not file on time and you owe taxes, you will pay hefty late fees. That’s why it’s so important to take advantage of free tax preparation!
What to know before you get started
AGI, or adjusted gross income, means how much of your income will be taxed that year. ‘Gross’ means total. Adjusted means some of your income will not be taxed. Some income is nontaxable, like child support payments, assistance programs, and scholarships. Find out what is nontaxable on the IRS website.
Additionally, you may qualify for tax exemptions like the child exemption, medical or education exemption which means even less of your income has to be taxed! So, AGI is your total income after you adjust it for exemptions.
Earned Income Tax Credit is for those with low to moderate income. If you qualify, you will owe fewer taxes and may get a refund. To qualify, you must have earned income from working, and you must have at least one child. Find out if you qualify on the IRS website.
State and federal returns are different. The programs below are for federal free tax return software.
However, some of the software programs also offer free state returns for all states. The following states also offer free state tax returns with Free File Alliance: AR, AZ, DC, GA, IA, ID, IN, KY, MA, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NY, OR, RI, SC, VA, VT, WV.
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You can use free tax preparation software!
Free tax preparation software can help you save time and money. It’s easy to use and usually includes tutorials that guide you through each and every step.
Free Tax Preparation Software for Low Income
If you Adjusted Gross Income is under $73,000, you can use any of these free tax preparation software! Many of them work for both federal and state returns. Additionally, you should see if you could meet with a volunteer for in-person tax help. Find out more about Volunteer Income Tax Assistance here.
Please note that TurboTax has stopped participating in the Free File program as of December 2021.
Online Taxes at OLT.com offers free tax preparation if your Adjusted Gross Income is between $14,000 and $66,000.
TaxAct®Free File lets you file free if your Adjusted Gross Income is $53,000 or less AND your age is 56 or younger.
FreeTaxUSA® Totally Free SM is a free tool for you if your Adjusted Gross Income is $51,000 or less, and you are between 17 and 61 years old.
FileYourTaxes.com will allow you to file free if your Adjusted Gross Income is between $9,000 and $66,000 or less, and your age is between 15 and 65.
Free Tax Preparation Software if you Qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit
If you qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit, you can use any of these free tax filing softwares! They will work for anyone of all ages and you can file both a federal and state return for free!
Free Tax Preparation Software for Low Income with Age Requirements
TaxSlayer gives you free tax filing if you are under 52.
eSmart Free File Edition will give you free tax preparation if your age is 54 or younger.
H&R Block’s Free File works for you if your age is between 17 and 50.
1040.com Free File Edition offers free tax returns if you are under 52.
Free Tax Preparation Software for Low Income with Location Requirements
Free Tax Returns.com will let you file taxes for free if you are under 70 and do not live in FL, NV, TN, TX, WA or WY.
ezTaxReturn.com gives free tax filing in these states: AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, GA, IL, LA, MA, MD, MI, MO, MS, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, SC, VA, and WI.
1040NOW.NET offers free tax preparation if you fall in either of two categories. You can use their service if you live in any of these states. AL, AR, AZ, CA, GA, IA, ID, IN, KY, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, ND, NY, OK, OR, RI, SC, VA, VT or WV. Or, if you are under 60 and live in the following states. CO, CT, DC, DE, HI, IL, KS, LA, MA, MD, ME, MT, NE, NJ, NM, OH, PA, UT or WI.
Free Tax Preparation Software for Military
Active duty military personnel with an adjusted gross income of $66,000 or less can get a free federal tax return with ANY software! Use any of these tax return software. Military members can also often find free tax help on base. Read more about Volunteer Income Tax Assistance here.
Free Tax Preparation Software for Seniors
A lot of the free software programs have an age limit rather than a minimum. However, there are several that seniors can take advantage of. For all of the following options, your AGI (adjusted gross income) must be under $66,000. If you do not qualify for these offers, also check out Tax Counseling for the Elderly.
Online Taxes at OLT.com is free for ALL ages if your Adjusted Gross Income is between $14,000 and $66,000.
EZtaxreturn.com also offers returns for all ages but you must live in one of the following states: AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, GA, IL, LA, MA, MD, MI, MO, MS, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, SC, VA or WI.
If you are under 70, and you do not live in FL, NV, TN, TX, WA or WY you can file a free tax return with FreeTaxReturns.com.
Free Tax Preparation Software if you have Foreign Status
There are at least seven different free tax return software for those with foreign status!
Online Taxes at OLT.com will let you file with a foreign address if your Adjusted Gross Income is between $14,000 and $66,000.
TaxAct®Free File works for foreign addresses if your AGI is under $53,000 and you are under 56 years old.
TaxSlayer is another good option if your AGI is under $52,000 and you are under 52.
FileYourTaxes.com requires that your age is between 15 and 65 and your AGI is between $9,000 and $66,000.
1040.com Free File Edition gives free tax preparation if you are under 52 and your AGI is $60,000 or less.
H&R Block’s Free File also offers free tax preparation. With their free tax software, you must have an Adjusted Gross Income of $66,000 or less, and be between 17 and 50 years old.
