FreeTaxUSA - Free Tax Filing

Answer the questions on freetaxusa.com the online software will automatically fill in the forms you need and e-file them directly to the IRS.

I've been using Free Tax USA for 6 years now and I've never had any issues with it. It's extremely easy to use for people like me who have standard tax returns. I've even assisted others (boyfriend turned husband and 3 co-workers) in filing their tax returns and have had no issues or concerns to date. Twice I submitted a message to Customer Service and the first time they responded within 4 minutes (nothing automated because I asked detailed questions), and the 2nd time I messaged them I received a response within 12 minutes (I looked in my history because they don't delete it).

I'm really surprised at the other person's review because I've never had issues with Free Tax USA and I've used them several times, and will continue to.

Reviewed by: Sandra in CA

They are great... information carries over from year to year, making subsequent returns easy and fast to do. Interview questions are easy to follow and works well for those of us without complicated deductions. Highly recommend them!

Reviewed by: Lynn

This article will help you file your taxes online. If you are familiar with online tax preparation you should be able to complete your taxes quickly. It doesn't matter if you have a complex or simple tax return; you can still file your taxes.

The things you'll need are listed below.To setup an account you only need an internet connection. To begin the tax filing process you'll need:

1) Social security numbers for yourself, your spouse, and any children you may have.

2) W-2 Forms from your employer.

3) Miscellaneous tax forms reporting mortgage interest, investment income, charitable contributions, etc.

4) Your Tax Filing PIN or your previous years AGI

Once you've collected the necessary documents you can start your tax return. The online software will ask you a series of questions. Each question should be fairly easy to answer. If you have any questions don't hesitate to contact support. You should get a response within twenty-four hours.

You can keep track of your progress using the top navigation bar. Areas that have been completed will turn red. Areas that still need to be completed are grayed out. You can revisit areas after you've passed them through the drop down menus in the navigation bar. If you have a question you can't answer because you need an additional form you can skip it by clicking 'continue'. Fill in the information you have. At the end of each section you will find a summary of that section of your tax return. Review the entire summary and check for any errors you might have accidently entered. Once you've reviewed the summary move to the next portion of your return.

You have the option of filing your state return for a small fee. Tax software uses your federal tax information making the state return much easier. Usually your state return can be completed in a short amount of time.

Once your information has been entered, FreeTaxUSA will automatically fill in all the IRS forms you need. You are now ready to file your taxes. Before you can file you need to pay for any State or extra services you may have selected. Federal tax returns are always free. If a federal return is all you need then you can move past this step rather quickly. You have the option of paying with a credit card or by through your bank account using an echeck.

After you've paid you are now ready to file your taxes. E-file is the preferred method of filing your taxes. It is possible to get your refund in as little as eight days using e-file in combination with direct deposit. The IRS also prefers e-filed tax returns over mailed tax returns. E-filing also has the advantage of confirmation and notifications from the IRS. You will know if your tax return was accepted or rejected by the IRS.

If you are a small business owner, sole proprietor, freelancer, and require a Schedule C FreeTaxUSA can file your taxes. The steps to file a Schedule C are built right into their website. To help you get from point A to point B this guide will be useful.

Step 1) Create a new account. It should take very little time to complete this step. You will need an active email account. Use the Password Strength gauge to help you find a secure password. If you have problems reading the security code, request another code to be generated.

Step 2) Select "Begin your tax return". Enter your personal information and select your filing status.

Step 3) Enter your spouse's and/or children's tax information.

Step 4) Select any number of common income sources that may apply to you. If you know the form you need by name they are listed for your convenience in parenthesis. There are multiple screens that ask you about income. The first is W-2, the second is common income forms, and the last relates to business, rental, and uncommon income. On this screen select "Business Income (Schedule C)".

Step 5) Select the number of businesses you were responsible for as a sole proprietor. Enter your basic business information and click continue.

Step 6) Enter the gross sales and miscellaneous income related to your business. Move to the next screen. Notice that in the top right hand corner of the webpage your federal refund (or amount owed) is displayed. As you progress through your return this number will likely change.

Step 7) Follow the detailed expense prompt screens starting with vehicle expenses, health care insurance, long term care insurance, home office, depreciable asset information, and other expenses. You will be asked for all types of expenses from advertising, office expenses, supplies, rent, wages, utilities and more. If you didn't have any expenses leave the field blank. As you enter your expenses you should see your tax liability decrease (whew!).

Step 8) Finish the remaining tax return as you would normally.

Step 9) E-file your completed forms to the IRS and your state.

Tax time is stressful for everyone, especially small business owners. Keeping good records and using online software are great ways to lower your stress level.

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