Comments on: Free Online Tax Preparation and E-Filing From the IRS

By: Mary

Mary — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 01:25:21 +0000

My son forgot to file his 2006 taxes. Is there a website where I can file them for him for free?

By: Connie White

Connie White — Wed, 02 May 2007 17:04:59 +0000

I need to fill out a 2001 return. Where can I go to do that online?

By: Wise Bread

Wise Bread — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 19:00:45 +0000

Last Minute Tax-Filing? Extended Post Office Hours and More…

Isn't it weird that there isn't a central list of post offices at, oh I don't know, say, USPS.com, that tells you which post office branches are going to be open late tonight for last-minute filers? Or is there a list and I simply couldn…

By: Last Minute Tax Tips « Keeping Nickels

Last Minute Tax Tips « Keeping Nickels — Fri, 13 Apr 2007 14:26:18 +0000

[...] advantage of the Free File program. The IRS reports that 70% of all taxpayers qualify for free electronic tax filing. If your 2006 [...]

By: Last Minute Tax Tips ? Get Rich Slowly

Last Minute Tax Tips ? Get Rich Slowly — Fri, 13 Apr 2007 12:01:29 +0000

[...] advantage of the Free File program. The IRS reports that 70% of all taxpayers qualify for free electronic tax filing. If your 2006 [...]

By: KlfJoat

KlfJoat — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 17:27:55 +0000

I’ve used the FreeFile online system since 2001 or 2002. My first year, I used some medium-sized company… maybe TurboTax. But since then, I’ve used H&R Block. The software just works, and it’s easy to use.

Plus, it’s worth it to me to pay the state fee since it means I don’t have to use my state’s horrible phone system or install extra software on my computer.

Speaking of computers, let me bring up two points, one of which is relevant here. First, the H&R Block online service WILL work with non-Microsoft operating systems. So those of you with a Mac can use it, and get support. But even if you use Linux, like me, the service works. It’s not supported, and you get a nag screen, but you can bypass that and use the service just fine.

That brings up the second point, free alternative software, as a possible subject. I’d be willing to write a small article for you about the benefits and availability of free (as in speech and beer) software. For example: I run Linux at home, and therefore I legally don’t pay money for operating systems or software. When I did run Windows, I used the freely available OpenOffice rather than the expensive MS Office. I ran Gaim rather than AIM, Yahoo, or MSN to keep from seeing ads for ridiculous movies and products. I ran Firefox, which reduced the chance of me getting spyware (an infestation would cause non-computer nerds to spend money on repair). I ran Thunderbird, which reduces the chance of email worms (which again causes repair bills).

By: RazzBari

RazzBari — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 14:06:13 +0000

I qualified for free file, but I needed to take both the energy star and mortgage certificate credits. I tried three different sites (including H&R Block) and none of them said up front which forms they did and didn’t support. Was 2/3 of the way through filing before I found out I couldn’t use the service. Finally gave up and mailed the thing in, then waited 5 weeks for the refund.

If states can provide a means for their residents to file online at no charge, why can’t the federal government?

By: vb23q6etcgo1

vb23q6etcgo1 — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 05:23:47 +0000

The IRS once wanted to provide free tax software for everyone. The corporate interests felt this would not be in their economic interests. What you have above is the result.

By: Greg C

Greg C — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 02:56:57 +0000

I prepared my own on paper until 2003. Then I started using HR Block online- free the first year and I think 9.95 every year since. This year I paid extra to file state at the same time. In years past my state had free eFile, but I moved and wasn’t familiar with the new state’s setup.

By: COB

COB — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 02:51:15 +0000

I did our CA state tax return for free online at http://www.ftb.ca.gov/ It was linked from irs.gov. There are sites where people can do their state taxes for free!

By: samerwriter

samerwriter — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 01:18:00 +0000

Actually, the good news is nearly *every* taxpayer can take advantage of filing their taxes for free.

Just print your taxes out, put them in an envelope with a couple stamps (OK, it’s not *completely* free), and drop them off at the post office.

It’s easy, and nearly free!

By: Adam

Adam — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 00:17:12 +0000

I just used H&R Block’s free online version, as well, and I had no problems. Helped me pick out the right education credit, as well. Unfortunately the state return wasn’t free. Oregon has three listed on the DOR site, but I ended up just doing it on paper. Might be worth finding one that can do both your state and federal for free, just to get it done in one go.

By: Waves

Waves — Thu, 15 Mar 2007 21:58:12 +0000

H&R Block/Travelocity are offering a free copy of Taxcut Premium and Deduction Pro for download. After you add to cart, make sure you remove Extended Download Protection from cart to get it all free.

link