IRS Tax Tip 2024-69, Aug. 19, 2024

Free tax filing options are available to taxpayers who requested an extension of time to file their federal taxes. There’s no need to wait for the Oct. 14 deadline if taxpayers are ready to file.

Here are some free tax filing options.

IRS Free File available to taxpayers with income of $79,000 or less

IRS Free File lets qualified taxpayers prepare and file federal income tax returns online using interview-based tax preparation software. Taxpayers who made $79,000 or less in 2023 will likely find an offer from a trusted IRS Free File partner that matches their needs. IRS Free File's tax preparation software can help taxpayers take advantage of any tax credits they may be eligible for, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child and Dependent Care Credit.

Taxpayers can go to the IRS Free File webpage at IRS.gov/freefile to find the right IRS Free File offer for them.

IRS Free File Fillable Forms

Electronic federal tax forms are available to everyone, regardless of income, with Free File Fillable Forms. People should be comfortable preparing their own tax returns before using these forms.

MilTax

Eligible members of the military community can also file their taxes using MilTax, a free tax resource offered through the Department of Defense. Eligible taxpayers can use MilTax to electronically file a federal tax return and up to three state returns for free.

Other e-filing options

Taxpayers can also use commercial software to file their taxes. The return is securely transmitted through an IRS-approved electronic channel and checked for mistakes. If the IRS finds easy-to-fix mistakes, such as a math error or an incorrect Social Security number, the IRS immediately sends it back to the taxpayer to fix it and re-file it. This saves time and prevents a simple mistake from holding up any tax refund.

To find a tax professional who’s qualified to prepare, transmit and process e-filed returns, taxpayers should consult the Authorized IRS e-file Provider database, a nationwide listing of all businesses that participate in the IRS e-file program.

Taxpayers in disaster areas may have more time to file

Extra time to file is granted automatically due to a disaster. Information on the most recent tax relief for disaster situations is available on the IRS website.