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Make point #2 more clear that some extra e-files may be included in a software package
JW8
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If your adjusted gross income (AGI) is over $66k, you don't qualify for the free tax filing software anymore, per the IRS Free File site (link).

Some options:

  1. Pay for tax preparation software
  2. Use the tax preparation software on a relative or friend's machine, but don't e-file - print out your return and mail it in. (Note: Some software packages may have more than 1 e-file included - you may be able to utilize one of the "extra" e-files for free)
  3. Fill out your return on paper forms (free, but you'll need to mail the return)
  4. See if there are any special offers
  5. Use the IRS Free Fillable Forms option, which lets you fill in PDF like forms online, and still file online. You will have to do the math yourself, or follow the above points first.

From one perspective, not qualifying for free software is a positive thing - you're now making enough where you don't qualify for free software. It's a good milestone in your career path.

If you really don't want to pay for tax filing software, you can "borrow" the software installed on a relative or friend's computer and generate the filled-out paper forms to print and mail. It's more hassle, but if you don't mind one or more visits to use another person's computer AND the trip to the post office, it's a relatively inexpensive option. Some software, such as TurboTax, have a limited number of federal e-files included, so a "free" e-file may still be available if your relative/friend hasn't used all of the ones that come with the software purchase.

Since you mentioned H&R Block, one page on their site indicates some free options:

  1. Free Federal 1040-EZ (update: no longer available)
  2. H&R Block More Zero

One or more of the options above may work for you.

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