IRS Launches Free File for New Season

The IRS and Free File Alliance have unveiled Free File with many changes and updates for 2016, including more free state return options and easier Form W-2 imports.

For 2016, 13 tax software providers will make their federal tax return products available for free to eligible taxpayers. Taxpayers whose adjusted was $62,000 or less during 2015 are eligible for at least one of the software products.

Taxpayers who earned more than $62,000 can use Free File Fillable Forms, an electronic version of IRS paper forms. Free File Fillable Forms will be available on January 19.

The IRS will not be accepting e-filed returns until Tuesday, Jan. 19.

Since 2003, more than 46 million people have used Free File, according to the IRS.

For 2016, more Free File software providers are offering both free federal and free state tax return preparation for states with income tax requirements. Some providers also are offering state tax return preparation for a fee. State tax return offers are at the discretion of the providers. Also new for this year, several software providers offer importation of W-2 information.

Free File also can help taxpayers with the new health care requirements and filing for six-month extensions.

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