What the Tax Software Companies Dont Want You to Know

Haven't done your taxes yet? No problem. Now there is a new way you can use top tax software programs, like TurboTax and H&R Block, to get your taxes done quickly and easily. And the best part is it won't cost you a thing.

The secret is an IRS program called Free File, that allows you to prepare and file your federal tax return electronically, using these and dozens of other popular tax software programs, for free!

Free File has been around for a few years, but it used to have very stringent income requirements (i.e., only taxpayers whose incomes were below a certain level could use it). This year is the first time the service is being opened up to 99% of taxpayers.

Important: You must go through the IRS official web site in order to get this deal. Go to http://www.irs.gov and click on the link at the top of the home page that says Free File. (Note: It's not on the navigation bar. It's on the home page itself.)

Next, you'll want to click the gray button at the bottom of the page that says, "Start Now." At this point, you'll have the option of browsing all of the services offered or choosing to use the "Guide Me to a Service" wizard to help you select one. The wizard will ask you a few basic questions about your age and income and then come back with a list of companies whose free products meet your needs.

Why is the IRS doing this? In a nutshell, to save money. It's cheaper, faster and easier for them to process returns electronically.

Why should you do it? Because it's cheaper and easier to file, and you can get your refund faster.

Why are the big tax companies offering this deal? They're trying to get you to upgrade to one of their deluxe products, which offer things like tax planning advice, the ability to import data from software you used last year, etc.

Also, state tax programs are not included in this deal. So the companies probably figure that if you use their free federal program you'll end up buying their state one.

Remember: You must go through the IRS official web site in order to get this deal. If you go to the tax companies' sites, you will not get this offer. In fact, some of these companies not only charge you to do your return online, but then they'll also hit you with a fee once you try to file electronically. So you'll pay twice if you don't go through the IRS web site.

Happy tax preparing!

Stephanie Gallagher reveals her closely-guarded shopping secrets in her ezine, The Shopping Mom's Weekly Tip. Click here to get the eCookbooks Recipe Sampler Cookbook as a special gift when you subscribe: mailto: theshoppingmom@aweber.com

---

Employment Taxes ? Depositing With The IRS

If your business has employees, you must pay employment taxes.... Read More

Access to E-records by Taxing Authorities: A Case for Pakistan (Part II)

All tax authorities to e-commerce transactions should investigate the record... Read More

What You Need To Know About Taxes If You?re Getting Married

It may not be high on the list of wedding... Read More

E-commerce Taxation

The means and types of businesses have transformed with advent... Read More

The Seven Deadly Tax Sins: Commonly Missed Deductions

It's that time again, the April 15 tax deadline is... Read More

Seven Key Tax Deductions for the Self Employed

As a sole proprietor, it's wise to familiarize yourself with... Read More

Tax Deductions - Mr. C.P.A. Can I Deduct a Pizza? You Too Can Deduct Your Fun By Using Tax Tips

Recently, I stumbled across a concept that could change your... Read More

Save Money on Taxes - Let Uncle Sam Pay for Your Fun!

"Deducting Meals and Entertainment"O.K. You've been working really hard on... Read More

Save Money on Taxes - Double Your Income Now With Tax Saving Tips on Deductions

Adding Your First Additional Stream of IncomeMost new wealth builders... Read More

Marriage or Divorce ? Check Your Social Security Number

Newlyweds and the recently divorced should make sure that names... Read More

About Income Taxes; Tidbits

1812The first attempt to impose an income tax on America... Read More

Failure To Pay Employment Taxes ? Penalties

As an employer, you must pay employment taxes if you... Read More

Getting A Second Extension to File 2004 Taxes

Millions of people file tax return extensions every year. The... Read More

Tax Trap #3 -- IRS Penalties, Interest and Love Letters

As a small business owner or self-employed person, one of... Read More

Tax Investigation - What You Need To Do

The knock on the door from a Tax Inspector is... Read More

Early Distributions From Retirement Plans

An early distribution from an Individual Retirement Arrangement (IRA) or... Read More

Take Control of Your Taxes

As everyone in the U.S. knows, we have just passed... Read More

Uncle Sam is Ready...Are You? Organizing Tips for Tax Time

Anyone who is closely related to an accountant knows that... Read More

Car Donation: An Easy Way to Support Your Favorite Charity and Get a Tax Deduction

Most people look forward to getting their tax return, but... Read More

SFR Substitute for Returns: IRS Action on Non-Filers

In the latest Star Wars episode, the evil empire executes... Read More

Tax Help Secret: Avoiding the Entreprenuers Curse

Your days as an entrepreneur and businessperson are consumed with... Read More

Where to Find Tax Breaks for Your Home Based Business

April 15th looms in front of most people every year... Read More

Organizing Your Taxes

Does this scene sound familiar? It's April 7. You haven't... Read More

Understanding Basic Tax Terms

If your like many, you don't always understand what people... Read More

Your IRS Tax Appeal Rights

Are you in the middle of a disagreement with the... Read More

Rental Property Tax Deductions

Own residential rental properties? This article discusses how income from... Read More

Some Folks Pay A Lot Less Tax Than Others On Very Same Income?Did You Pay Too Much Tax In 2004?

Someone once remarked, "Next to being shot at and missed,... Read More

Gambling Income and Expenses - Tax Requirements

Hit a big one? With more and more gambling establishments,... Read More

How to Cut Duty Cost and Increase Profit as an Importer

Import duties continue to be significant elements in the cost... Read More

Fraudulent Tax Shelters ? KMPG Goes Down Hard

In the largest criminal tax case ever filed, KMPG has... Read More

What is a Federal Tax Lien?

A Federal Tax Lien (FTL) is a legal instrument that... Read More

Tax Tips for Home-Based Business Owners

As tax time approaches, many home-based business owners begin completing... Read More

Tax Tips - Which Tax Form Is Right For Me?

IRS Tax forms can be confusing.Am I a 1099 or... Read More