Tax Tip 2024-05: Eligible seniors have many free tax filing options

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Issue Number: Tax Tip 2024-05

Eligible seniors have many free tax filing options

Whether they prepare and file their own tax returns or get in-person help, there are easy, secure and free tax filing options for seniors.

In-person IRS help for seniors and low-income taxpayers
Eligible taxpayers can have their taxes prepared in person for free with these two programs:

• Tax Counseling for the Elderly – The TCE program prioritizes taxpayers aged 60 and older. TCE specializes in questions about pensions and retirement-related issues unique to seniors.
• Volunteer Income Tax Assistance – The VITA program is generally for people who make $60,000 or less, people with disabilities and limited English-speaking taxpayers. VITA assistance is often provided at community and neighborhood centers, libraries, schools, shopping malls and other convenient locations.

To find a TCE or VITA site near them, taxpayers can use the site locator tools on the IRS Free Tax Preparation page of IRS.gov.

IRS Free File
Many seniors and retirees can file their taxes for free with IRS Free File at IRS.gov/freefile. The program offers online tax preparation software for taxpayers with adjusted gross income (AGI) of $79,000 or less in 2023.

With IRS Free File, leading tax software providers make their online products available for free. One is available in Spanish. IRS Free File partners set their own eligibility rules based on income, age and state residency.

With IRS Free File, taxpayers can:

• Find the product that’s right for them with the Find Your Trusted Partner tool.
• File Form 1040-SR for seniors over the age of 65 and find the most common forms that can be filed electronically.

IRS Free File products support mobile phone access. Taxpayers can do their taxes on their smartphone or tablet.

Free File Fillable Forms
Taxpayers with an AGI over $79,000 can use Free File Fillable Forms. Fillable Forms don’t include guided preparation, so taxpayers need to be comfortable completing their own tax forms.

Veterans can file with MilTax
Certain veterans, military retirees and military survivors can file their taxes with MilTax online which is offered through the Department of Defense. With MilTax, eligible taxpayers can prepare and file their federal income tax returns and up to three state income tax returns for free.

IRS Direct File
Taxpayers in 12 states may be eligible to file for free with the IRS Direct File pilot, a new tax filing service from the IRS.

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