As tax season approaches, it’s time to prepare Americans for returns regarding the fiscal year 2024. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) provides a wealth of tools and resources with which taxpayers can manage their returns more smoothly, including free options for filing income taxes for most taxpayers.
Some 70% of taxpayers are expected to qualify to take advantage of free software to prepare and e-file their federal tax returns according to the IRS. A variety of completely free ways exist for taxpayers to file their returns, whether from branded software or via volunteer assistance programs.
Preparing for the 2025 tax season
Usually, the IRS starts the tax-filing season early in the year and allows the taxpayers to start submitting their returns. The IRS continues improving its digital services as it’s getting easier than ever to comply with an obligation online because it is preparing to host the tax-filing season in 2025. One of the most recommended steps is the creation of the IRS online account as it is the most secure way to manage tax documents, to have access to payment options, and most importantly, to safeguard personal information.
There is the IRS for Prepare to File Your IRS Taxes, which will help taxpayers to make their filing of taxes simple and easy. This provides practical counsel, current developments in tax laws, and a full guide for filing free of charge. Here are a few of the highlights from this page:
1. IRS Free File has a high enough adjusted gross income (AGI) cap that allows taxpayers to use a branded software provider to prepare and e-file their federal returns at no cost. Additionally, taxpayers can use the IRS’s interactive Free File forms to do all-inclusive online filings, regardless of income.
2. Direct File Program: Allows taxpayers with normal tax situations who live in states that choose to participate in this program to submit directly to the IRS. It is available to taxpayers for checking eligibility and using it as an alternative tax filing method.
3. IRS Volunteer Programs: The Voluntary Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs are all specifically intended to accommodate low- to-moderate-income taxpayers, senior citizens, and members of the military. These services are offered by IRS-trained volunteers and cover free tax preparation and electronic filing.
Additional tips for filing taxes for free
The IRS urges taxpayers to collect all necessary documents and determine the necessary filing requirements ahead of time, thereby avoiding delays. The most vital tax documents include the W-2s, the 1099s, and any statement associated with deductions or credits. For taxpayers using free filing options, understanding the eligibility requirement is quite important.
Here are some more ways to maximize these free tax filing options:
- Understand Income Levels: IRS Free File is open to taxpayers with AGI below a certain level (which is updated annually on IRS.gov).
- Search For Volunteer Programs: VITA and TCE are especially useful to people with straightforward returns, seniors, and taxpayers needing assistance. These usually operate from local community centers, libraries, or military bases.
- Identify Available State-Specific Options: The residents of participating states are also eligible to use Direct File to tap into federal and state results.
With the help of these tools and resources, individuals can save significantly on their time and money during the 2025 tax filing season. For more information, just visit IRS.gov and take advantage of the free filing options suited to a wide range of taxpayer needs.
