Forum Discussion

SlowBro's avatar
SlowBro
Explorer III
Feb 04, 2015

Website does a free tax return on a 1040, not just 1040EZ

If you're frugal like me, check out TaxAct.com. Sure, many tax preparation websites offer to do your 1040EZ or 1040A for free, but only one that I know of offers the 1040 form for free for all income brackets, and that's TaxAct. Been using them for about eight years now.

Warning though; The first couple times I did it, I made some mistakes that I doubt I would have made if I were using something like TurboTax or sitting with someone at H&R Block. The explanations and help aren't as good as TurboTax's are, and it's easy to make a wrong turn. Take extra care. If taxes intimidate you, you're best sticking with a paid option.

They constantly try to promote you with paid options, but you can stick with the freebie, I've done it for years now. The worst thing about the freebie is I have to manually enter my W-2 form instead of an automatic import. Whoopie.

I don't work for them, and I don't get commission for this, I'm just passing along the good news :)
  • ctpres's avatar
    ctpres
    Explorer
    Feb 05, 2015
    rockhillmanor wrote:
    I won't use the internet for filling taxes.


    X2 Can't imagine a better data base to hack. Names, address, SSAN, Employers and income, Bank and account number and much more.
  • rockhillmanor's avatar
    rockhillmanor
    Explorer
    Feb 04, 2015
    I won't use the internet for filling taxes.

    'Every' single year the government announces how many people have had their identities stolen and returns filed in their name, checks sent to the thieves etc. etc. when they used the internet to file their taxes.

    If you are a senior. United Way in your local area will do your taxes for free.
  • rk911's avatar
    rk911
    Explorer
    Feb 04, 2015
    wa8yxm wrote:
    TurboTax has an online service now,, I used it, simple 1040 since all my income is on 1099s (1099 r and SSA) Walked me through the procedure ad Ill net about 90 dollars,, Now that I am "Single income" that works just about right. Grand total for the year was a bit higher than expected It took the Retirement services a couple months to start taking out state income tax and low and behold what I owe the state is dang near exactly what they failed to withold so I should be in the dollar or two range on the state next year Feds I get 109.00 back.

    Not as good as years past. but then I was 2 income.

    Oh... Turbo Tax online... both state and federal editions E-file for free.. Yes, they try to talk you into spending money (I mean all the free file services are a come on to get you to upgrade) but...

    Both Federal and State returns were filed for free. Twice,,, Since a typo was made on the first round.


    another option for TT. if you are a Vanguard investor you can download TT (fed and state) for free. login to your Vanguard account and search for TURBO TAX.
  • SlowBro's avatar
    SlowBro
    Explorer III
    Feb 04, 2015
    vermilye wrote:
    Randu wrote:
    Government is quick with the refunds when e-filing with direct deposit. I e-filed 1/20 and refund was direct deposited 1/30. Not too shabby ! I used Free Tax USA Randu
    2X. Been using them for a couple of years - very easy to use, particularly after the first year since they keep the previous year's info. It can do a full 1040 & many add on forms. They do charge for a state return ($12.95).


    Ok, so they too give a free 1040 return. When I started using online services, TaxAct was the only game in town that did free 1040s (not just 1040EZ like many) for all income brackets (not just under $50,000 like many). Maybe I'll try them next time. Thanks!
  • vermilye's avatar
    vermilye
    Explorer
    Feb 04, 2015
    Randu wrote:
    Government is quick with the refunds when e-filing with direct deposit. I e-filed 1/20 and refund was direct deposited 1/30. Not too shabby ! I used Free Tax USA Randu
    2X. Been using them for a couple of years - very easy to use, particularly after the first year since they keep the previous year's info. It can do a full 1040 & many add on forms. They do charge for a state return ($12.95).
  • SlowBro's avatar
    SlowBro
    Explorer III
    Feb 04, 2015
    wa8yxm wrote:
    TurboTax has an online service now,, I used it, simple 1040 since all my income is on 1099s (1099 r and SSA)


    Yeah, for those of you who can use 1040EZ TurboTax is a better choice since it's free. Not all of us can use 1040EZ. So, I saved $40 :)
  • SlowBro's avatar
    SlowBro
    Explorer III
    Feb 04, 2015
    K Charles wrote:
    Wish I got a refund.


    No, you don't. Getting a refund means you've loaned the government your money for a year at zero percent interest. Ideally, you don't want to either pay taxes out of pocket or get any refund.

    If I could get away with not taking any deductions out of my paycheck I would, but there is an underpayment penalty. I'd rather invest that money, get a return, then pay the IRS in April a big check.

    Of course it'd be even better to just not have an income tax in the first place, but that's another discussion ;)
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Feb 04, 2015
    TurboTax has an online service now,, I used it, simple 1040 since all my income is on 1099s (1099 r and SSA) Walked me through the procedure ad Ill net about 90 dollars,, Now that I am "Single income" that works just about right. Grand total for the year was a bit higher than expected It took the Retirement services a couple months to start taking out state income tax and low and behold what I owe the state is dang near exactly what they failed to withold so I should be in the dollar or two range on the state next year Feds I get 109.00 back.

    Not as good as years past. but then I was 2 income.

    Oh... Turbo Tax online... both state and federal editions E-file for free.. Yes, they try to talk you into spending money (I mean all the free file services are a come on to get you to upgrade) but...

    Both Federal and State returns were filed for free. Twice,,, Since a typo was made on the first round.

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