E-FILE
How to e‑file your taxes online? It's as easy as 1-2-3!
1. Step 1
Get all your tax information together. See what most taxpayers need to have here.
2. Step 2
Decide how you want to prepare your taxes. Some taxpayers use tax preparation software and e‑file when finished. Others hire a professional tax preparer. Use our locator service to find an authorized IRS e‑file provider near you.
3. Step 3
e‑file it!
FREE FILE
A Guide to Free File! Everyone can prepare and file for free.
1. Step 1
Get all your tax information together. See what most taxpayers need to have here.
2. Step 2
Go to the IRS.gov Free File page to review your Free File options. You must go through the www.IRS.gov/freefile to access Free File software options and services to ensure you will not be charged a fee.
3. Step 3
Decide how you want to prepare your taxes.
Was your income $57,000 or less in 2009? Try one of the many tax software offerings located at IRS.gov Free File page.
Made more than $57,000? You can choose Free File Fillable Forms to prepare and e-file your taxes. This is available to all taxpayers – regardless of income and can be found on the IRS.gov Free File page.
4. Step 4
Prepare your tax return with Free File.
If you choose Free File software, get started by reviewing the Free File company offerings and see which one is right for you. If you know which company you'd like to use or want to review the entire list, simply click on "I Will Choose A Company" to get started. For help, click the easy-to-use tool, "Help Me Find A Company." About 20 companies offer free tax preparation software in partnership with the IRS. And certain companies prepare state tax returns, some for free.
Everyone can use Free File Fillable Forms, and there are no income limitations. Free File Fillable Forms is an electronic version of IRS paper forms, plus it does basic math calculations. You can complete the forms online and file electronically. You also can find Free File Fillable Forms at www.IRS.gov/Freefile.
5. Step 5
e-file it!
You can safely and easily e-file your tax return with all Free File options. If you opt to use other commercial tax preparation software or work with a tax professional, you can also e-file your return. Electronically filed returns are transmitted to the IRS through the established e-file process, which is safe and encrypted for your protection.
ABOUT THE FREE FILE ALLIANCE
The Free File Alliance, LLC is a group of industry leading private-sector tax preparation companies that have agreed to meet the IRS' high standards for security and privacy and provide tax software options for free.*
*The IRS does not endorse any individual Free File Alliance company. While the IRS manages the content of the Free File pages accessible on IRS.gov, it does not retain any taxpayer information entered on the Free File site.
