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Are you ready to jump on your 2021 taxes?? Check out all the FREE tax filing programs that are available. Doing your own taxes requires a little time and effort, but it’s an great way to save over paying a professional.
If this seems like a daunting task, you can always try to do them yourself and enlist the help of someone else if needed. It’s really a lot easier than it seems. These programs will walk you through step by step.
Keep in mind, it usually costs extra to E-File for your state taxes, but many programs give you the option to print out your return and mail it in for FREE.
For simple taxes, the free software should be enough. Each program will list what is included, but most exclude these items:
- Itemized deductions (Schedule A)
- Business or 1099-MISC income (Schedule C)
- Stock sales (Schedule D)
- Rental property income (Schedule E)
- Credits, deductions and income reported on schedules 1-6, such as the Student Loan Interest Deduction
If you have business expenses and other special forms, it will be necessary to use a more advanced program. Checkout two different deals at the bottom of the list on Advanced Tax Programs if that’s what you need.
Quick Comparison Guide
| Turbo Tax | H&R Block | Tax Act | Credit Karma | FreeTax USA | |
| 1040 EZ | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Student Loans | N | Y | N | Y | Y |
| Unemployment | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Retirement Income | N | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| State File | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| HSA Deposit | N | N | N | Y | Y |
| Filing Costs | $0 for Fed & State | $0 for Fed & State | $0 for Fed + $4.95 for state | $0 for Fed & state | $12.95 for state |
| Deluxe Level Cost | $40 + $40 state | $30 + $37 state | $25 + $45 state | $0 for all levels | $0 for all levels + $12.95 state file |
Free Tax Filing Programs
Credit Karma Tax
Credit Karma Tax is a premium product that’s 100% free at all filing levels. That includes all of their features, plus free filing for all supported forms and situations. They also 100% guarantee the accuracy of calculations. Plus, if you get audited, they help defend you with free Audit Defense.
I rank this program #1 for free files as you have no restrictions and can file every deduction. If you have more complicated taxes you may prefer to use use Turbo Tax or H&R Block. While they are trust worthy, the interface in the other programs for in depth taxes is a little easier. I personally use this to file taxes for my teenagers each year.
H&R Block Free Edition
H&R Block offers free Federal filing with a number of extra options that aren’t in the Turbo Tax free version. Various extra deductions like child care, student loans, and healthcare are all included.
As long as you don’t have any HSA deposit this year, this is my #2 choice for free files. Make sure to use their quick buttons to see what you need before starting so you are surprised in the end that it’s not free.
FreeTax USA
No matter what your taxes look like, FreeTaxUSA.com is completely free to file! Simple, Basic, or Advanced all pay nothing to file Federal Taxes! Add your state return for $12.95.
This is my #3 choice for free filing. No matter what ever level is free, but here you will pay the additional cost to efile your state return. Don’t forget that you can print it and mail it yourself though. It is great that you won’t be upset after entering all your information to find that you didn’t qualify for the basic level.
Turbo Tax Free Edition
This year you can file your Federal and State Taxes for free if you use the 1040A or 1040EZ. If you get into your taxes and need to upgrade to another version they are currently offering up to $30 off.
While it’s one of the top selling programs in the country, I rank Turbo Tax 4th for free filing. This is the most limited free filing program on the market and one of the priciest when you find out that you don’t qualify for the free file. I do love their interface and if you use Quicken, Quickbooks, or Mint you will love that you can auto import your numbers with a push of the a button.
Tax Act
Get a free Federal and State filing from TaxAct. The free version is just for folks with a basic 1040 and dependents. It also includes for only $5 per state e-file.This is an easy program to follow with a simple Q&A style format that makes you not feel like you’re learning a different language.
I like their platform and the ease of use, however I rank them #5 for free files because they are one of the few that charges to file state taxes with a basic return. I know FreeTaxUSA at the top charges but… they also offer all levels for free. If you have more advanced taxes though, this is a great program and one of the cheapest options for deluxe paid versions.
Doing your own taxes? Share any tips for beginners in the comments below!
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