Top 10 Free Tax Preparation Programs
Free File won't be available until January 16th. The following reviews are from last year's version of the software.
You can prepare your taxes and electronically file your return for free using one of the IRS Free File websites. The IRS has teamed up with nineteen software companies to make tax preparation free or low-cost for most Americans. You must begin at the IRS Free File page. If you go directly to the company's website, you won't qualify for the free service.
These tax prep programs were thoroughly tested using the following criteria: Cost, Ease of Use, Speed, and Accuracy.
1. TurboTax Freedom Edition
TurboTax (Free File Edition) caught a typo I made when entering my W2. This is a common tax prep mistake, and TurboTax was one of two Free File software programs that caught the error. TurboTax is very easy to use, fast, and accurate. TurboTax is best used with Internet Explorer. The free version of TurboTax is available to filers with adjusted gross income of $30,000 or less. TurboTax also provides free state tax filing for the states of AL, AR, AZ, GA, ID, IA, KY, MA, MI, MN, MO, MS, NY, ND, NC, OK, OR, RI, SC, VT, WV. Otherwise, adding a state return will cost $9.95. Unfortunately, the free edition does not cover complex tax situations. Overall, TurboTax Free File is very highly recommended.
Free Tax Preparation at Fort Myer
Tax preparation, like most personal services, seems to cost more every year. Not this year! The Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Tax Preparation Center is now open for business and the service is free.
The Tax Preparation Center offers FREE income tax preparation to service members, retirees, and their dependents, and is located at Fort Myer, in building 406. The tax preparers are certified by the IRS to prepare individual income taxes and many are also certified to address specific military or international tax issues.
"The average person pays from $150 to $300 per return, and here, we do that service for free," said Staff Sgt. John E. Ahern, Tax Center NCOIC. "Being a tax preparer gives us all a chance to serve our own and save them some money in the process."
Customers can begin making appointments now by calling (703) 696-1040, and may schedule their tax preparation appointment up to two weeks in advance. The center does request that all customers ensure they have all of the following documents available for their appointments, if applicable:
- W-2s
- 1099s
- 1098s
- Social Security cards for you and your dependents
- Birth dates for you and your dependents
- A Power of Attorney (POA), if signing a tax return for somebody else. If you need help preparing a POA, please contact the Legal Assistance Office at (703) 696-0761.
- A copy of your 2009 tax return!
- Copies of court orders for divorce, child custody, and child support
Also, if applicable, bring the following documentation as well:
- Other sources of income
- Childcare costs
- IRA contributions
- Stock, bond, or mutual fund sales
- Alimony paid or received
The center also takes walk-ins, but only for those who will be filing the 1040EZ form. The hours of operation are Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Tuesday and Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. They will also be closed for all federal and training holidays.
