5 Sites to Use File Your Taxes Online For Free in 2011
It’s tax season, and there’s only a few weeks left before this year’s April 18th deadline (yes, Tax Day is the 18th this year!). I already filed my taxes and divided my refund between rebuilding my savings and paying extra on my student loans. I also didn’t pay a cent to do my taxes.
Just like I did last year, I thought I’d do a round-up of places that are offering some sort of free tax deal. They all have restrictions and usually you have to pay to file your state taxes. (Depending on the state, you may not have to file or can easily file yourself. Find out if your state has free e-file.)
Before I get to the list, let me say, I am not a tax expert. I have no tax training and I cannot give you any advice on how to do your taxes. If your situation is complicated or you’re not sure about how to do your taxes, I recommend going to see a professional.
Here we go:
TaxAct
TaxAct‘s Free Federal Edition this year supports “1040, 1040A, & 1040EZ, Schedules A, B, C, D and much more” according to their site.
Filing a state return is only $14.95.
CompleteTax
This year CompleteTax is offering their Basic return (normally $9.95) for free. According to their site it includes commonly used tax forms and schedules, handles single, married filing jointly and married filing separately filing status, and supports the earned income tax credit (EITC).
The fee to file a state return is $25.46.
H&R Block At Home
H&R Block at Home has their Free Edition available with Audit Support. The list of forms supported is long…but includes Forms 1040, 1040A, and 1040EZ for people filing single, plus student loan interest and tuition.
State returns cost an additional $30.95.
Turbo Tax
For this year, TurboTax has a Federal Free Edition that will file 1040EZ and “simple returns.” You can also start trying it without creating a user ID or saving your information.
Filing a state return will cost $30.95.
FreeTaxUSA
FreeTaxUSA offers a free return that they say covers all federal returns. The only thing that seems to be audit assistance and unlimited amended returns, which are included in the deluxe edition for $5.95. I’ve never used this site, but it sounds like a great deal. Get all the details here.
To file a state return is only $9.95.
I believe all of these sites let you start your return for free and you don’t pay until you file, so you can always try out a couple and see what you like best.
These are only a few of the big sites that offer free returns online. The IRS has compiled a list that you may want to check out if none of the options suit you. I’d also love to hear what tax services you’ve used in the past and plan to use this year.
Don’t forget to be smart with the way you spend your refund once you get it!
Monday Freebies, Samples, Deals and Music 3/28/11
I had to work last Monday, so I didn’t have time to put together one of these posts, but this week I’m ready to go.
Here are some of the best freebies and deals I see from around the internet. If I’ve missed anything feel free to add it in the comments below.
Freebies and Samples
- Free Queso and Chips at Chili’s (Must sign up for newsletter)
- Aveeno Haircare Sample
- Quaker Oatmeal Squares
- Jiffy Recipe Book
- Creme of Nature Shampoo
- Carefree Pads
- Living the Country Life Magazine
- Flix Dental Stix
- FIber Choice
- Zantac 150
- Breathe Right Nasal Strips
- Uncle Ben’s Ready Rice
- Free Andoird App of the Day: Farm Frenzy
- Free $5 Amazon.com Video on Demand Credit for new Users (Expires 3/31. Make sure to read the restrictions.)
Deals and Coupons
- Use the Amazon VOD credit above to rent select movies and receive a $4 credit towards the purchase of that movie on DVD or Bluray
- Coupon for any small Quiznos Sub for $2.99
- Buy 1 Photo Book, get 2nd at 50% off at Kodak Gallery
- Save 80% off most Restaurant.com $25 Gift Certificates. Use code TASTY at checkout now through 3/31/11.
Free Music
- Slap Slap Slap Pound Up Down Snap by The Death Set
- Kiss Me I’m Irish by Gaelic Storm
- L.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N. by Noah And The Whale
- Don’t Mess With Texas: SXSW 2011 New Music Sampler
- Nuclear Blast Amazon Sampler
- Amazon.com Free MP3 Album Downloads
- Amazon.com Free MP3 Downloads
If you’re new to online freebies, read my tips on how to be safe and smart signing up for samples.
Monday Freebies, Samples, and Music 3/7/11
It’s been a while since I’ve done one of these, and I’ve missed! I’ve been so busy with work that I haven’t even had time to sign up for freebies in general, so my mailbox has been noticeably empty lately.
Anyway, I am back on track, it’s Monday and I don’t have to work, so this seems like a great time for a freebie post!
Free Samples
- Free Month of Netflix Streaming
- Tomato Seed Packet
- Poise Pads
- Prilosec OTC
- Kotex U
- MiO Water Enhancer (Facebook Sample)
- Free Charmin Extender
- Salonpas Pain Free Patch
- Fanah Face Wash
- Emergen-C Blue
- Gas-X Prevention
- Miracle Whip
- Pureology Color Care
- Head and Shoulders Shampoo and Conditioner
- Dove Daily Treatment Conditioner
- Natural Nutrition Cat Food
- Free Cup of Yoplait Yogurt
- Lactaid
- Shout Color Catcher
- Nescafe Taster’s Choice
- Gas-X Thin Strips
- Smoothsmooth Shampoo and Conditioner
- Eucerin Daily Skin Balance Lotion (Facebook Sample)
- Natural Persimmon Tea
- Garnier Eye Roller Challenge Kit
- Wet Lubricants (US and Canady Only)
- Herbal Essences Hair Care (UK Only)
- Tena Lady Maxi Night (UK Only)
- Dove Daily Treatment Conditioner (Canada Only)
- Silk Soy Milk Product Coupon (Canada Only)
Free Music and MP3 Downloads
- My Life (Live At Shea, 2008) by Billy Joel
- L.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N. by Noah And The Whale
- Someone Like You (Performed Live in Her Home) by Adele
- In This Moment by Riley Etheridge Jr
- March is Metal Month 2011 Sampler
- Amazon.com Free MP3 Album Downloads
- Amazon.com Free MP3 Downloads
If you’re new to online freebies, read my tips on how to be safe and smart signing up for samples.
Free Movie Screening: Cedar Rapids
Boy this week already feels long and it’s only Tuesday. Yet, here’s something to be excited about: a free movie screening.
This is for the new Ed Helm’s movie Cedar Rapids. I’m not going to do a full out post about it because I’m tired after a long day and a lot of these screenings have already passed, but I wanted to post it for anyone who may be interested. There are quite a few dates over the next couple days.
It’s a Gofobo screening, so go to the site, click your city, and then “Get a Pass.” You’ll have to fill out your info and then print the passes. It’s that simple.
These screenings are seated on a first come, first serve basis, so get there early if you’re interested.
I'm a 20-something living in the big expensive city of Chicago. I'm post-college and bouncing between underemployment and unemployment, while trying my best to be thrifty, save money, pay off my 6 digit student loan debt, and still have fun and enjoy life. I live with my boyfriend, a rabbit, and a chinchilla.