Income Tax Preparation

Filing your federal taxes is one thing almost all taxpayers must do except for those who have very little income and aren't required to file. It can be expensive and a hassle. Options for filing your taxes include: 1) paid tax preparers, 2) free online tax filling & software 3) do-it-yourself using manually printable forms, and 4) volunteer organization assistance. The options are explained below to help you choose the best one for you saving you money.

If you need forms or help to do your state taxes, see State Tax Sites below. For states that have income taxes (most states), listed are State Tax Sites with links to state tax offices. They offer online forms & publications. Many offer tax payer assistance or free state tax filing.

Paid Tax Preparers

The most expensive option is to use a paid preparer. This is the best option for those who aren't comfortable doing their own taxes. Most offer some kind of audit protection and offer electronic refunds which makes getting your refund quicker (may be extra). The downside is they aren't free. Paid preparers include CPA firms (most expensive), national tax firms (offer audit protection), and local independent tax preparers (may not offer audit protection),

Generally, you will need to schedule an appointment. You will need to gather and bring any tax documents you have received such as W2, 1099m 1099-MISC, etc. to your appointment. Be sure to have IDs, social security #s, and birthdates for everyone on your return. Bring last year's tax return if you are using a new preparer. If you are filing electronically make sure to have your checkbook for routing # and account #for depositing your refund.

For those with large incomes and complicated income sources a CPA firm will get them the most refund or lowest tax liability. There are national, regional and local CPA firms. To find list of the CPA firms near you, do a search in your web browser for CPA tax preparers near me or check your phone directory.

For most people one of the national tax preparation companies such as H&R Block, Jackson Hewitt Tax Service, or Liberty Tax will work just fine. Be sure to check online as some have special offers and discounts. Some offer the option of doing it at home without visiting a local office. To find list of the paid preparers near you, do a search in your web browser for tax preparers near me or check your phone directory.

There are local independent tax preparers in your locality. To find list of the local paid preparers near you, do a search in your web browser for tax preparers near me or check your phone directory.

Free Online Tax Filing & Software

You can file your own taxes for free or at a reduced price. Don't feel you can? Today's tax preparation & filing software is easy to use. They include questions to ensure you get the maximum refund you are entitled to, audit check functions, alerts and more. Most include electronic filing so you get your refund as soon as any paid preparer. There are 2 types, 1) all returns free (simple - complex) and 2) free returns excluding complex returns.

First check with your financial institution to see if they offer free tax return online. Some credit unions offer their customers TurboTax for free.

The IRS offers free tax filing, IRS Free File for fillers whose income is Income $69,000 and below. Here you will find: Free File online products, free, easy to use software, and information about free state returns.

Totally free returns, all types are offered by CreditKarma and FreeTaxUsa. At CreditKarma it's $0 to file both state and federal tax returns. They offer audit defense, 24/7 live chat, and more. You can import last year's return from H&R Block®, TurboTax® or TaxAct®. In addition, you can get free credit reports at CreditKarma. At FreeTaxUSA you can file your federal tax return for free electronically, includes simple, basic and advanced returns. State tax returns are extra.

Other online companies offer free simplified tax returns excluding complex returns (you pay for them). H&R Block: file online for free if you have only education expenses, kids, & W-2s. Tax Act: file your simplified return (W-2, dependents, college expenses, & retirement income only) online for free (federal & state). TaxSlayer: free online returns for basic returns only.

Do-Tt-Yourself Using Manually Printable Forms

Di-it-yourself is totally free but requires the most time and work. Unless you have some knowledge of the tax laws you may not get the maximum return you are entitled to. Go online to the IRS, 1) find the forms and publications you need, 2) download them, 3) fill them in, 4) print them out, and then 5) send them in by mail.

Volunteer Organization Assistance

There are several volunteer organizations that can help you to do your taxes or offer assistance. The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program, the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE), IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs), and MilTax free tax services for military and their spouses.

The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program offers free tax assistance for low and moderate income taxpayers. You don't have to be a member of AARP and there is no age requirement. They use IRS certified volunteers. Check the TaxAide Site Locator for locations or call 888-227-7669 toll-free.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA): IRS-certified VITA volunteers provide tax-preparation services to people who have income of $56,000 or less, as well as those with disabilities or limited English language skills. Call 800-906-9887 to find a nearby VITA site.

Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE): a majority of the TCE sites are operated by the AARP Foundation’s Tax Aide program. To locate the nearest AARP TCE Tax-Aide site between January and April use the AARP Site Locator Tool or call 888-227-7669.

IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs) : some local IRS offices host a Taxpayer Assistance Center. All TACs now operate by appointment; services may vary by office. Check your local IRS site to see if they are a TAC site.

MilTax free tax services: Department of Defense-funded program (Military OneSource) provides e-filing software to active duty military personnel and select others, including spouses, dependent children and survivors. Consultants are available to provide 24/7 phone assistance at 800-342-9647.

To find additional free tax prep & filing in your location do a browser search for free tax prep near me.

State Tax Sites

Need forms, information, or free state tax preparation? Check out the links below for all 50 states.
Alabama

Alaska: no personal state income tax.

District of Columbia - Washington D.C.

Florida: no personal state income tax.

Georgia