Free tax filing options for 2020

There are federal and state options available.

Editor’s note: This article was written by Theo Thimou and originally appeared on Clark. com.

You don’t have to pay an arm and a leg to file your taxes this year. The IRS Free File program gives about 75% of American taxpayers access to free software or forms so you can get your taxes done for zero dollars.

Shockingly, recent numbers show that only 2% of eligible taxpayers take advantage of the IRS Free File program. But why throw money away unnecessarily?

If you meet the income eligibility requirements, at least take a look at what’s being offered free of charge.

Adjusted gross income below $69,000

■ File your taxes with free, easy-to-use software

■ Free state return options are available

■ Use the Free File Software Lookup Tool to find free federal and free state return options

Adjusted Gross Income Above $69,000

■ Must know how to do your taxes yourself

■ Does math; offers only basic guidance

■ You must have your 2018 tax return

■ State tax prep is not available

■ E-file a free extension Making a return this year is Credit Karma’s free tax return prep software. This service debuted in 2017 and stands

out from the IRS Free File offer because it makes free prep software available to all, regardless of income.

In case you’ve never heard of it, Credit Karma is a completely free service that offers you access to your credit score. It makes money by recommending credit cards and loans that it believes would be suitable for you. Money expert Clark Howard has long recommended the service.

This year, there are some limitations to the types of returns and forms supported by the Credit Karma free tax product. Among other things, Credit Karma’s software does not support:

■ Form 1116 – Foreign Tax Credit

■ Form 2555 – Foreign Earned Income

■ Form 8332 – Release of Claim to Exemption for Child by Custodial Parent

■ Form 1116 – Foreign Tax Credit

■ Form 2210 – Underpayment of Estimated Tax by Individuals, Estates, and Trusts

■ Form 2555 – Foreign Earned Income

■ Form 8332 – Release of Claim to Exemption for Child by Custodial Parent

■ Form 8885 – Health Coverage Tax Credit

Special Note: You can’t sign up for Credit Karma if you have a credit freeze in place.

In order to do so, you’ll have to temporarily thaw your credit and then sign up. Learn more on Clark.com.

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