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2005 Tax Year Version

  • Download IRS forms (.pdf) to print.

  • File your Federal Income Tax return on-line with IRS


[this page last modified 04/02/2006 10:22 PM ]

 Here is my understanding, based on pages at IRS:
  • "Free File" is an agreement (begun in 2002) between IRS and a consortium of commercial tax software companies, to allow many taxpayers to file free (each company sets their own rules for who is free). This program is for taxpayers with Adjusted Gross Income of $50,000 or less.
  • "E-file" is the same program that has existed for the last 3 years, where companies may allow you to use their on-line tax preparation free, and file electronically (either free or for a small fee).
  • I'm not sure how these are really different, except you may use E-File even if you don't qualify for Free File, and you will probably pay a fee to file electronically under E-File, although their on-line tax preparation (without filing) is free. I suggest "Free File" if you are eligible.
  • From the IRS website:
    • Free File is a free service offered by companies for taxpayers with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $50,000 or less.
    • Carefully review the free offer descriptions before starting your return. Individual company offers may be limited to specific states and income levels.  Additional fees may apply for state tax return preparation services.
    • Each company has a description of their eligibility criteria for preparing and e-filing your federal tax return for free.
    • When choosing a company, be sure to link to the company's web site through IRS.gov. By going directly to a company's web site, you may not get the free service.
    • You are under no obligation to buy any products or services.

     

Here are some pages at IRS with information about on-line filings, etc.