IRS: File Taxes Online for Free

The IRS is is now offering taxpayers the ability to file their 2019 federal tax returns for free through IRS Free File.

According to the IRS, taxpayers whose adjusted gross income was $69,000 or less in 2019 can do their taxes now, and the Free File provider will submit the return once the IRS officially opens the 2020 tax filing season on Monday, Jan. 27 and starts processing tax returns.

Free File is a public-private partnership between the Internal Revenue Service and Free File Inc. (FFI), a consortium of tax software providers who make their Free File products available at IRS.gov/FreeFile.

Here’s how Free File works:

1. Go to IRS.gov/FreeFile to see all Free File options.
2. Browse each of the offers or use a “look up” tool to help you find the right product. Each Free File partner sets its own eligibility standards generally based on income, age and state residency. But if the taxpayer’s adjusted gross income was $69,000 or less, they will find at least one free product to use.
3. Select a provider and follow the links to their web page to begin a tax return.
4. Complete and e-File a tax return only if you have all the income and deduction records you need. The fastest way to get a refund is by filing electronically and selecting direct deposit. If you owe, use direct pay or electronic options.