The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced the availability of the IRS Free File Guided Tax Software service ahead of the 2024 tax season, emphasizing its commitment to providing taxpayers with accessible and cost-free options for filing their taxes.
This marks the 22nd filing season for the IRS Free File program, which went live more than two weeks before the official start of the filing season on January 29.
Empowering Taxpayers
Individuals across the nation will be able to utilize free software products offered by trusted partners of IRS Free File by visiting IRS.gov. Commissioner Danny Werfel highlighted the IRS’s ongoing collaboration with Free File Inc., stressing the importance of providing taxpayers with choices in how they file their taxes.
The program operates through a public-private partnership between the IRS and Free File Inc., formerly known as the Free File Alliance.
This collaboration allows eligible taxpayers to access online tax preparation and filing software products at no cost. Free access to these online products is only available by starting from the IRS Free File website.
Eight private-sector partners are participating in the program for the 2024 tax season, offering online guided tax software products to individuals with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $79,000 or less in 2023.
Additionally, one partner will provide a product in Spanish, enhancing accessibility for a broader range of taxpayers.
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IRS Free File: Early Pre-Season Open, Options for Higher Incomes
IRS Free File providers will start accepting completed tax returns before the official filing season start date but will hold them until they can be electronically filed on January 29. Taxpayers with an AGI over $79,000 can opt for the IRS’s Free File Fillable Forms (FFFF), the electronic version of IRS paper forms, beginning on the same date.
To help taxpayers find the right product, IRS Free File provides various tools on its website, such as the Explore Free Guided Tax Software button, the Find Your Trusted Partner tool, and the Browse All Trusted Partners tool.
One notable feature of IRS Free File is its ability to assist eligible taxpayers in claiming valuable tax credits, including the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), the Child Tax Credit, and other applicable credits.
The EITC, in particular, is a tax credit designed for qualified taxpayers with earned income under $63,398, and IRS Free File includes the EITC Assistant tool to help determine eligibility.
In addition to these benefits, IRS Free File supports mobile phone access, allowing taxpayers to complete their tax returns on their smartphones or tablets.
This feature ensures that individuals without access to a computer can still take advantage of the program’s offerings.
As the tax season approaches, millions of taxpayers are encouraged to explore the options provided by IRS Free File,
contributing to a seamless and cost-effective tax filing experience. To get started, individuals can visit IRS.gov/freefile and follow the step-by-step guidance to find the right product for their needs.
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