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IRS Free File program

If you are comfortable preparing your own tax return and reasonably comfortable using a computer, check out the IRS Free File program. There are many benefits to using a computer tax preparation program. The program doesn’t make arithmetic mistakes, the completed return is leg- ible, and you can electronically file and quickly know that the IRS has received your return. Also, if you have a refund, you will receive the refund four to six weeks faster than from a mailed return.

IRS Free File. The IRS partners with leading tax software providers to make their online products available for free to any person or family who earned $79,000 or less in 2023. For us in California, this claim of free is only partially true. The Federal return preparation will be free, but you will likely be charged for the California return preparation. In some states, the state income tax return is a simple piggy-back to the Federal return so there is no charge. California, however, has its own tax code with many differences from Federal law.

Here’s a step-by-step overview of how to find the right Free File product:

  1. Go to IRS.gov/FreeFile
  2. Then select “Explore Free Guided Tax Software” and use the “Browse All Trusted Partners” tool to review each offer
  3. Answer a few questions about you and your income and you will be directed to the best products for you
  4. Follow the links to the provider’s website to begin your tax return.

If you have income of more than $79,000, the IRS offers another possibility: Free File Fillable Forms. These are electronic federal tax forms you can fill out and then file online for free. You choose the tax forms you need, enter your tax information online, electronically sign and file your return, and print your return for record keeping.

Limitations with Free File Fillable Forms include:

  1. there is no guidance about which forms to use
  2. only basic calculations are performed, and
  3. no California state tax return option is available.

However, California has a similar program called CalFile at FTB.CA.gov so the state option is available for you there.

We suggest you consider the IRS Free File or the Fillable Forms approach if you normally prepare your returns by hand and mail them to the IRS and FTB.

Questions? Call SRS at 408-239-5253.

Note: The Senior Resource Services (SRS) office is currently closed for drop-in assistance. You may still leave messages at 408-239-5253 as we monitor phone messages every day and can still answer questions by phone. Please note that the return phone call will be from a volunteer calling from their home and your phone identification will not read SRS. We can also e-mail handouts. The purpose of SRS is to provide education and general business and financial information. All assistance is free and confidential. You should ask your professional adviser about your individual situation.