More than 60% of taxpayers pay a tax preparer to do their returns every year. While that makes a lot of sense for people with complex returns, more than 20 million Americans file a 1040EZ, the tax form for taxpayers.
Claim no dependents and earn less than $100,000 a year. If you fall into that category — or use the slightly longer Form 1040A — you can save a lot of money by doing your own tax return this year. And thanks to technology, you don't need to delve into the tax code to get the job done properly.
Saving money isn't the only reason you should consider doing your own taxes. Preparing your tax return forces you to take a hard look at how much money you earned last year, after taxes. If you contributed to a 401(k) plan, you'll realize how much your contributions reduce your tax bill. And that might provide the kick in the pants you need to save a little more.
Tax software companies, eager to attract new business, have gone to great lengths to make tax preparation easy, if not exactly fun. Last week, TurboTax released SnapTax, a mobile phone application that allows users to file their federal and state taxes on their smartphones.
This partnership between the IRS and tax software companies is designed to encourage more taxpayers to file their returns electronically, which reduces errors and saves the government money. Taxpayers with 2010 adjusted gross income of $58,000 or less are eligible to use the program.
This year, 17 private companies and one non-profit are participating in Free File. In addition to the $58,000 AGI cutoff, participating companies can have their own criteria. For example, H&R Block Free File is limited to taxpayers who are 51 or younger. TaxSlayer's free offering is limited to taxpayers who are 25 or younger or 65 or older. Other participating companies limit participation based on your state of residence, military status or eligibility for the Earned Income Tax Credit.
All of the programs will prepare and e-file one federal tax return for free. In addition, 21 states offer a State Free File program that allows eligible taxpayers to prepare and file one state tax return. You can find a list of those states, along with more information about the federal program.
Even if you're not eligible for Free File, you may be able to prepare and file your federal tax return online for free. TurboTax and H&R Block at Home both offer free editions for taxpayers who file a 1040EZ or other simple tax return, with no income restrictions. TaxAct's free edition provides tax preparation and e-filing for one federal return, with no restrictions on income or type of return.
Keep in mind that tax software companies are in the business of making money. If you use one of the free programs, you'll probably have to fend off a lot of pitches to upgrade to a paid product. You'll also have to pay to file a state tax return.
Of course, you can always file your tax return for free by doing it the old-school way: with a pencil and paper. In that case, all you pay is postage. But this year, that method will require some extra effort. For the first time, the IRS won't mail tax forms and instructions to taxpayers who filed manually in the past. If you want the forms, you'll either have to download them from irs.gov, or call 800-829-3676 to request them. Tax forms and booklets will be available at some libraries and post offices.
There is an alternative for penny-pinchers who don't need a lot of hand-holding: Free File Fillable Forms. This program provides electronic versions of tax forms that you can fill out and file for free. The program will do the math but won't provide guidance.
