If you are unable to afford an accountant or tax preparer, there are free resources available to assist senior citizens, military, and those whose income is under a certain threshold. The income threshold changes yearly.
1. IRS Free File
In partnership with the Free File Alliance, the IRS offers IRS Free File to eligible tax filers with an adjusted gross income (AGI) or taxable income of less than a certain amount that changes each tax year. This free federal tax preparation software uses a series of simple questions to help complete your tax return. It’s best for those who aren’t itemizing expenses, don’t own a business, and don’t require extensive adjustments.
Free File also includes access to free state tax returns for some taxpayers.
2. Free or trial versions of tax software
If your AGI is above the IRS free file limit or you have other income sources that complicate your tax forms, you can find free options from popular tax brands. Like IRS Free File, these software options are best for individuals with straightforward tax filings, and they sometimes include free state tax filing.
Free versions of tax software typically allow access to Form 1040 and schedules that enable claiming the earned income tax credit (EITC) and the child tax credit. A few also support deducting student loan interest, certain types of dividends or savings account earnings, and retirement income.
3. VITA for low-income taxpayers
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) is a program supported by a federal grant that provides free tax preparation to low- and moderate-income taxpayers. This is a community partnership that staffs sites in libraries, schools, and other convenient sites around the country with IRS-certified volunteers who provide in-person, free tax help.
There are a few eligibility requirements, including income of $67,000 or less, having a disability, or being a limited English speaker in need of tax filing assistance. You can check for a VITA site near you using the IRS locator tool.
4. Tax Counseling for the Elderly
A sister program to VITA, Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) also uses a federal grant to provide free tax preparation services to older taxpayers. Many TCE sites are run in cooperation with the nonprofit AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program.
Like other free tax filing options listed here, TCE programs are best suited to simple tax returns for those who receive a pension or have retirement-related concerns. While you typically need to be 60 or older to qualify for TCE services, some AARP sites offer tax help to low- to moderate-income filers aged 50 and up.
5. MilTax for military members and veterans
Military members, their families, and some veterans may qualify to have taxes filed for free through MilTax, the Department of Defense’s free tax software offered in partnership with Military OneSource. The software is specifically geared toward concerns such as combat wages, deployment situations, multi-state filings, and housing or rental concerns.
6. Direct File
Several states offer a direct filing option through the Direct File Program.
Direct File is available to taxpayers in Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
The program only supports certain types of income and deductions. It is not an option if you have self-employment income, business income, need to itemize deductions, or plan to claim certain types of tax credits like those for college tuition or education expenses, adoption, or energy efficiency upgrades.
7. Nonprofit Advocates
Some nonprofits are dedicated to tax equity and advocating on behalf of low-income taxpayers. They may be a great resource for tax questions, like Prosperity Now or the National Consumers League.
Originally published on Yahoo Finance.