Taxpayers in North Carolina will be able to file their taxes for free by 2025 via the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Free File program. This new program was announced to the public by Gov. Roy Cooper and Department of Revenue Secretary, Ronald Penny. This service comes with no extra cost.
What is the IRS Free File Program
The IRS free file program is a service that will allow eligible taxpayers in North Carolina to carry out free online tax preparation and e-filing.
According to a statement by Cooper, “The IRS Direct File tool helps remove unnecessary hurdles and fees by allowing taxpayers to file directly with the IRS for free, keeping more money in their pockets. This resource will help ensure qualifying families receive tax credits,”
This partnership between the IRS and leading tax software providers will ensure the tax filing process is simple, fast, and more accessible to taxpayers especially for those with low to moderate incomes.
In 2025, this program will be available to eligible taxpayers in North Carolina, allowing them to handle their tax payment in a cost effective manner. The program is congruent with efforts to make tax filing straightforward to ensure that all eligible taxpayers can take advantage of credits available without incurring any extra cost.
This direct filing option by the IRS serves to please taxpayers according to a statement by Danny Werfel.
“The clear message is that many taxpayers across the nation want the IRS to provide more than one no-cost option for filing electronically,” said Werfel, IRS Commissioner.
Additionally, filing directly will save taxpayers time.
Learn more about how tax credits affects millions of Americans.
Taxpayers who are eligible for IRS Free File in North Carolina
Acvording to the IRS, “Anouncements about new state partners and expanded eligibility are expected in the coming months”.
However, there are other requirements you will be expected to meet based on the tax software provider partnering with the Internal Revenue Service.
Aditionally, like in previous years, there could be income limits but this is yet to be specified.
Benefits of using IRS free file
There are several benefits of using the IRS free file program and that includes:
- Saves cost: Using this method will eliminate tax preparation fees. Direct file users are said to have saved $5.6 million in tax preparation fees.
- Ease of Use: The IRS free file program is user friendly even to those who are unfamiliar with tax laws and filing procedures.
- Speed: Taxes filed via this method are fast and users can complete their filing procedures in 30 minutes or less.
- Maximizing Refunds: This method allows users to identify all eligible credits and deductions to ensure that they get their due refunds. This is of great benefit to low income families that rely on tax refunds.
- Security: Electronic filing reduce incidents of identity theft, thus ensuring that your information is safe.
How to Access the IRS Free File Program
If you are eligible you can access the IRS free file program through the official IRS website. Here are the steps to take:
- Visit the IRS website
- Select a tax software provider: The IRS has partnered with different software providers, each of which offers a different feature. You can review the options available and select one that meet your needs.
- Create an account: With the selection of your software provider done, next is to create an account that allows you to securely enter all your information and file your returns.
- Complete the return: You will be guided on how to complete your return via your software provider to ensure you claim your deductions and credits.
- File the return: You can file your return electronically once it’s complete with the IRS or the North Carolina Department of Revenue.
