- ORIGINAL NEWS
Most Americans can file federal taxes for free — but only about 3% used this option last season
- SUMMARY
The IRS Free File program offers free guided tax software to file federal tax returns for taxpayers with an adjusted gross income of $79,000 or less.
About 70% of taxpayers are eligible for this program, but only 3% of filers used it last season.
While there are other free software options, each partner of the program has different eligibility requirements.
Free File can handle most tax situations, including the most commonly filed forms and schedules.
You can also file for an extension through Free File, but most filers must still pay taxes owed by the original deadline of April 15.
- NEWS SENTIMENT CHECK
- Overall sentiment:
positive
Positive
“If you’re eager to save money filing your taxes this season, there’s a free option that’s used by only a fraction of eligible taxpayers.”
“Free File also offers Fillable Forms for all income levels, which is the electronic version of a paper filing.”
Negative
“While the IRS is launching its Direct File software pilot this season, the agency said in a January press release that Free File is still a “great way to claim valuable tax credits,” such as the child tax credit and earned income tax credit.”
“But only about 3% of filers used the program last season.”