The Internal Revenue Service and Free File Alliance have launched Free File with many changes and updates for 2016.
In 2016, there are 13 tax software providers making their federal tax return products available for free. Taxpayers whose adjusted gross income was $62,000 or less during 2015 are eligible for at least one of the tax software products, the IRS said. For taxpayers who earned more than $62,000, there’s Free File Fillable Forms, the electronic version of IRS paper forms. Forms will be available on Jan. 19.
Free File is available at IRS.gov/FreeFile.
“You don’t have to be an expert on taxes. Free File software can help walk you through the steps and help you get it right,” said John A. Koskinen, IRS commissioner.
In addition, more Free File software providers are offering both free federal and free state tax return preparation for states with income tax requirements, the IRS said. Some providers also are offering state tax return preparation for a fee.
In 2016, several software providers are also offering the easy importation of Form W-2 information.
Free File can also assist taxpayers with the new health care requirements, the IRS said. IRS.gov/aca.
Taxpayers must prepare their return by April 18. Taxpayers who cannot meet the April 18 tax-filing deadline can also use Free File to file a six-month extension, the IRS said.
