No matter how you look at it, doing your taxes is no fun. But at least the IRS makes things a little easier with Free File, its free online income tax prep program that even files your federal taxes for you electronically.
The Free File program is available to anyone with a 2009 Adjusted Gross Income of $57,000 or less. If that's you, just head over to the IRS website and choose from a list of approved tax preparers, and get started. If you aren't sure which preparer to use, just answer a few quick questions and Free File will hook you up with a good match.
The service asks you for all the information it needs from your W-2s, 1099s and other tax forms, drops it into the appropriate forms, does the math, checks for accuracy, and cranks out the completed forms for you to check over. Once you're satisfied, let the company file your federal taxes electronically. Some services will even handle your state income taxes for a fee.
If you're above the $57,000 income or just want to do your own taxes, Free File has a section filled with free blank forms you fill out yourself. There are tons of different federal tax forms to choose from, including 1040, 1040EZ, and others. This section of the site doesn't have any state forms on it, but does allow you to file your federal taxes electronically.
No matter which option you choose, you'll get a confirmation receipt from the IRS letting you know your return was received, and you'll see your refund in about 10 days if you opt to have it deposited directly into your bank account. The site also lets you file for an extension if you think you're not going to hit the April 15th deadline.
Where do you go for free help getting your taxes done? Share your ideas in the comments.
Free File [IRS via Get Rich Slowly]
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