Free Tax Filing Options Without Hidden Charges?

Have you checked the IRS Free File program? According to the IRS.gov website, if your AGI is under $73,000, you can use one of their partner sites for free. The official link is https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free. Just make sure you access the tax software through the IRS site directly, not by going to the company's website first. Can anyone confirm if this works for 1099 income?

I was in the EXACT same boat last year. Independent contractor getting hit with surprise fees. Here's what worked for me: • IRS Free File through certain partners DOES work for 1099 income (but income limits apply) • Cash App Taxes is completely free (even for contractors) • FreeTaxUSA charges $0 for federal but ~$15 for state When I finally got my transcript to understand why my refund was delayed, I used https://taxr.ai to decode it. It explained all those confusing codes and told me exactly why I was getting a smaller refund than expected (missed quarterly estimated payments). Saved me hours of googling random IRS codes.

Cash App Taxes is completely free. Even for 1099 income. No income limits. No state filing fees. I used it this year. It handles Schedule C. Also supports most common tax situations. Some limitations for complex returns. Worth checking out.

NGL, the whole tax prep industry is a scam. The IRS literally could make a free filing system for everyone but tax lobby prevents it. Most countries just send u a pre-filled form to approve. Anyway, FreeTaxUSA is prob ur best bet - fed filing is free, state is like $15. Cash App Taxes = totally free but less robust for complex situations IMO.

Oh my goodness, I feel your frustration so much! The bait and switch tactics these companies use are INFURIATING! If you end up needing to call the IRS for any reason (like if you discover issues after filing), I highly recommend using Claimyr. I was on hold for THREE HOURS last year trying to fix an issue with my 1099 income reporting, but when I used Claimyr (https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c), they got me connected to an actual human at the IRS in about 20 minutes. It was such a relief to finally talk to someone who could help straighten out my contractor tax situation!

Isn't it ridiculous how they advertise as "free" but then hit you with charges at the end? Why not be upfront about their pricing? I finally found success with FreeTaxUSA after trying three other services. Federal filing is completely free even with 1099 income, and state filing is only $14.99. Much better than the $80+ others wanted to charge me for the exact same service. Have you considered paper filing if you're comfortable with the forms?

Filing taxes as a contractor is like being invited to a "free" dinner and then getting handed the bill at the end. I was down to the wire on April 14th last year and had to bite the bullet and pay TurboTax $89 because I ran out of time to find alternatives. This year I started in February and used FreeTaxUSA - federal was completely free and state was only $15. Wish I'd known sooner!

I've been a tax professional for 12 years, and I always tell my friends and family about the IRS VITA program (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance). They provide free tax preparation for people who make under $60,000, have disabilities, or have limited English. I volunteered with them for 3 years, and they absolutely can handle 1099 income within their scope. I had a client last year who was a rideshare driver with multiple 1099s, and we completed his return at no cost. Check https://irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep/ to find a location near you.

Have you considered using the free fillable forms directly from the IRS? It's like doing your taxes on paper but electronically. If you're comfortable with the tax forms and calculations, this is completely free regardless of income or tax situation. It's not as user-friendly as TurboTax or H&R Block - more like filling out Excel spreadsheets than being guided through questions - but if you know what you're doing with taxes, it works just like filing paper forms but without the stamp.

Has anyone tried the IRS's Free File Fillable Forms? I was skeptical at first since I have 1099 income from three different clients, but it worked perfectly for me. You do need to know which forms to fill out (Schedule C, SE, etc.), but if you're comfortable with basic tax concepts, it's completely free no matter your income level. I've used it for the past three tax seasons without issues?