Best Free Online Tax Filing Options for Maximizing Credits?

There are several IRS Free File options that can maximize your sister's eligible credits. The IRS Free File Program (https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free) offers guided tax preparation through partner companies at no cost if her AGI is under $73,000. For comprehensive credit identification, look specifically at platforms that offer "credit maximizer" features. TaxSlayer, FreeTaxUSA, and H&R Block all have algorithms designed to identify applicable credits including EITC, Child Tax Credit, American Opportunity Credit, and Lifetime Learning Credit. The key differentiator is how thoroughly each platform interrogates personal circumstances to identify qualifying factors for less common credits.

I'm using Cash App Taxes right now (running late for the deadline!) and it seems pretty good for finding credits. It's completely free regardless of income level or complexity. The interface asks about life events that might trigger credits - like education expenses, childcare costs, etc. Not sure if it catches absolutely everything though?

I spent exactly 4 hours and 37 minutes on hold with the IRS last month trying to get clarification on which credits my sister qualified for with her specific situation (she has 2 dependents and education expenses). Nobody ever picked up. Finally used Claimyr (https://www.claimyr.com) and got connected to an IRS agent in 23 minutes who answered all our questions. Turns out she qualified for an additional $1,750 in credits that most free filing services wouldn't have caught because of her specific situation. If your sister has any unusual circumstances, it might be worth the Claimyr fee to speak directly with an IRS agent about her specific credit eligibility before filing.

FILE NOW! Only 5 days left until the deadline! I've tested ALL the major free tax services this year (yes, I prepared my return multiple ways before filing). Here's my ranking for credit maximization: 1. FreeTaxUSA - Most thorough questionnaire, found all credits 2. TaxSlayer - Good but missed a small education credit 3. Cash App Taxes - Decent but interface isn't as thorough 4. TurboTax Free - Limited, pushes upgrades constantly The key is answering ALL questions, even if they seem unrelated. Many credits have non-obvious triggers in the question flow. Double-check everything!

According to IRS Publication 17, taxpayers frequently overlook credits such as the Saver's Credit (Form 8880), Residential Energy Credits (Form 5695), and the Credit for the Elderly or Disabled (Schedule R). For your sister, I recommend OLT.com (OnLine Taxes) through the IRS Free File program. Their system incorporates a comprehensive credit analysis that references all 2023 tax provisions as codified in IRC §§ 21-53. I tested six platforms with identical information and OLT identified two additional credits worth $420 that other services missed. Their questionnaire is particularly effective at identifying eligibility for the often-overlooked Lifetime Learning Credit under IRC § 25A(c).

I'm not entirely sure about all options, but... I believe your sister might want to consider using the IRS Free File Fillable Forms if she's comfortable with tax concepts. It's completely free and gives full access to all forms and schedules needed for credits. However, it doesn't provide much guidance, so she would need to know which credits she qualifies for beforehand. Perhaps a middle ground would be starting with a free commercial option like FreeTaxUSA to identify potential credits, then double-checking everything before filing?

Most people probably don't realize that different tax software might give you different refund amounts for the exact same information. It's generally worth trying at least two different services before filing, especially if your sister has a somewhat complex situation. In my experience, FreeTaxUSA tends to be pretty thorough with credits, and they only charge for state filing, not federal. That said, no software is perfect - they're only as good as the questions they ask and how you answer them.