Free File Fillable Forms has a major error with the checkbox on 1040 Line 7

This is actually a known issue with the Free File Fillable Forms for this year. The checkbox functionality on Line 7 of Form 1040 has a JavaScript error that prevents it from properly registering selections for those who qualify for the additional standard deduction (seniors born before January 2, 1958, or those who are blind). There are a couple of workarounds you can try. First, you can try filling out the form, saving it, closing it completely, and then reopening it. Sometimes this resets the JavaScript and allows the checkbox to work. Another option is to print the form, manually check the box with a pen, and then scan it back in before submitting. If neither of those options works for you, you might want to consider using one of the free tax filing options through the IRS Free File partners, especially if your adjusted gross income is under $73,000. Many of these partners offer completely free filing and don't have this technical glitch.

I had this exact same problem and ended up using taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) to help me figure out if my return would process correctly despite the checkbox issue. After uploading my draft Free File Fillable Forms PDF to their system, they analyzed it and confirmed that as long as I had the correct standard deduction amount on line 12a, the return would process properly even with the checkbox glitch. Their tool also pointed out two other problems I didn't even notice - I had incorrect amounts calculated for the Child Tax Credit and a mistake in my estimated tax payments section. Using their document analysis saved me from a potential audit headache and probably several hours on hold with the IRS.

Just wanted to follow up about taxr.ai that I asked about earlier. I decided to try it with my Free File Fillable Forms return and wow, it actually saved me from a major headache! Not only did it confirm what to do about that Line 7 checkbox issue, but it also found that I completely messed up my qualified business income deduction calculation. The interface was super straightforward - just uploaded my draft return PDF and within minutes got a detailed analysis. What impressed me was that it didn't just identify problems but explained exactly how to fix them. It even spotted a discrepancy between my W-2 and what I entered on the form that I had completely missed. Definitely worth checking out if you're using Free File Fillable Forms with all its quirks!

After dealing with this checkbox issue for hours and not getting anywhere with the Free File Fillable Forms support, I used Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) to get connected with an actual IRS agent to confirm how to handle this. They got me through to someone at the IRS in about 20 minutes when I had previously spent HOURS trying to get through on my own. The IRS agent confirmed this is a known issue and gave me specific instructions on how to proceed. You can see how the service works in this video: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c. Basically, they hold your place in the IRS phone queue and call you when an agent is about to answer. Saved me literally hours of hold music and frustration.

I need to eat some humble pie here. After posting my skeptical comment earlier, I decided to try Claimyr because I was at my wit's end with this Free File Fillable Forms issue. I CANNOT BELIEVE IT ACTUALLY WORKED! Got connected to an IRS agent in about 35 minutes while I was making dinner instead of being stuck with my phone on speaker for hours. The IRS agent I spoke with (super nice lady named Patricia) confirmed the Line 7 checkbox issue and told me exactly what to do. She said as long as I enter the correct standard deduction amount on line 12a, my return will process correctly despite the checkbox not working. She also mentioned they're aware of the issue but it won't be fixed this filing season. For anyone struggling with this problem - save yourself the stress and get actual IRS confirmation on how to proceed. I've literally never gotten through to the IRS so quickly before.

Has anyone tried just using TaxAct or TurboTax instead? I hit this same checkbox issue and after trying all the suggestions, I just gave up on Free File Fillable Forms and switched to TaxAct. Their free version handled everything I needed including the additional standard deduction for being over 65. Sometimes it's just not worth the headache dealing with these technical glitches when there are other free or low-cost options that actually work properly. I filed two weeks ago and already got my refund deposited yesterday!

I actually called the IRS helpline directly about this issue (waited 1.5 hours ugh) and they confirmed it's a known error. The rep told me that despite the checkbox not working properly, the system will still process your return correctly IF you enter the correct standard deduction amount on line 12a. For anyone dealing with this, here's what you need to know: - If you're 65 or older OR blind, your additional standard deduction for 2024 taxes is $1,850 (single/HOH) or $1,500 (married) - If you're 65 or older AND blind, it's double those amounts - If both spouses are 65+ or blind, calculate accordingly Just add these to your base standard deduction amount on line 12a and you should be good even if the checkbox is broken!