The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is now set to begin the new tax return season. To that aim, it has been working for months not only to provide taxpayers with all of the tools they need to complete this process as efficiently as possible, but also to improve the security of each program in order to avoid fraud against the IRS while also ensuring that taxpayers are not misled.
In fact, several of the tools have been operational for several weeks, allowing individuals to completely prepare their tax filings. However, the official season begins tomorrow, Monday, January 27, and will run until Tuesday, April 15, this year.
It should be noted that, as is customary, taxpayers must file returns for the previous year, i.e., 2024, even though this process occurs in 2025.
For the tax return filing campaign, which begins tomorrow, Monday, January 27, the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is providing a variety of free alternatives to help with the filing process. The goal is to make the process easier for taxpayers while also ensuring that this tax duty does not cost them any money.
In this regard, Mundo Deportivo has chosen up to five alternatives to valuable tools that are all free of charge. The first option is named Direct File. A application that lets you to file returns directly with the IRS, thereby speeding up the refund process. However, it is now only available in 25 states. Regarding its merits, they remind out that:
- It is designed for simple returns.
- It is not suitable for self-employment income, business income or itemized deductions.
The second alternative is the TCE (Tax Counseling for the Elderly) Program. In this scenario, the tool provides free assistance to taxpayers aged 60 and over, particularly seniors who get pensions or other retirement-related benefits.
To locate a center near you, visit the IRS website, use the AARP Tax-Aide tool, or call 888-227-7669. In this scenario, the advantages include:
- Specific guidance for retirees.
- Simple returns at no cost.
Other free options
The US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) provides three additional free tax-filing tools. The third alternative is the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. A tool intended for persons with low or moderate incomes. This service is funded by a federal grant, thus there are certain limitations for using it. They are:
- Income of $67,000 or less.
- People with disabilities.
- Limited English speakers.
MilTax is the IRS’s fourth free software for filing tax returns. In this case, it is sponsored by the Department of Defense, therefore it is designed for military personnel, veterans, and their families. In this scenario, the advantages include:
- Free federal returns and up to three state returns.
- Specialized advice for specific military service situations.
- 100% accuracy guarantee.
Finally, the IRS provides free tax software to those with greater earnings or complex sources of revenue. Some platforms include:
- TaxAct Free.
- H&R Block.
- Tax Slayer.
- TurboTax.
