Free File Changes

Since 2002, the IRS has partnered with private tax preparation software providers to offer eligible taxpayers a free tax preparation and e-filing option. Called Free File, this option can be used to prepare and e-file 2019 returns by those with adjusted gross income in 2019 of no more than $69,000.

Over the years, there have been complaints that some providers shifted taxpayers into paid products. A new agreement between the IRS and these providers is supposed to bring more clarity for taxpayers in choosing their tax preparation and filing options this 2020 tax season.

The IRS also offers Free File Fillable Forms, which allows taxpayers to just fill in the blanks to complete their returns. No assistance is provided here. But there’s no income limit on using this option.