IRS promotes free filing options before tax deadline

The IRS is reminding taxpayers that the deadline to file tax returns is April 15. Many Americans have not filed their taxes yet. As of mid-March, over 70 million tax returns have been submitted. However, around 90 million are still pending. Filing taxes can be time-consuming and costly. Fortunately, there are free options available for many taxpayers. The IRS has highlighted these services to help individuals file without charge. One option is Direct File. This online service lets taxpayers submit simple tax returns directly to the IRS. It began in 2024 and is now available in 25 states. If you lived and worked in one of these states for the entire year, you can use Direct File for free. Another choice is IRS Free File. Eight companies work with the IRS to provide free tax preparation software. This service is available for individuals or couples with an adjusted gross income of $84,000 or less. It guides users through the filing process and helps identify tax credits. IRS Free File can be accessed on computers, tablets, or smartphones. For certain groups, there are additional resources. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs offer free tax help. These services are for individuals earning $67,000 or less, those with disabilities, people with limited English skills, and seniors aged 60 or older. Lastly, military members and their families can use MilTax. This free service, provided by the Department of Defense, is tailored to the specific tax needs of military life, including issues such as deployments and housing. Eligible military users can file their federal and state taxes at no cost.