Free tax filing options available

The IRS Free File program will again offer free tax prep software this year. The program began on Friday, Jan. 12.

Not familiar with the Free File program? This free program gives about 75 percent of American taxpayers access to free software or forms so you can get your taxes done for zero dollars!

There are two routes you can go here through the IRS Free File program:

Income below $66,000 (Free File software is already available)

■ 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

Income above $66,000 (Free File fillable forms available Jan. 29)

■ Must know how to do your taxes yourself

■ Does math; offers only basic guidance

■ You must have your 2016 tax return

■ State tax prep is not available

■ E-file a free extension

Other free tax filing options for 2018

Making a return again 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 this one makes free prep software available to all regardless of income.

In case you’re not familiar with it, Credit Karma is a totally free service that makes money by recommending credit cards and loans that they believe would be suitable for you. It’s a service that has long been on my radar.

While the company is supporting a dizzying array of tax forms, there are some limitations to the Credit Karma free tax product for the time being.

Among other things, Credit Karma’s software does not support:

■ Part-year state returns

■ Multiple state returns

■ Nonresident state returns

■ Filing state taxes without filing federal taxes

■ Schedule H – Household Employment Taxes

■ Form 1116 – Foreign Tax Credit

■ Form 2555 – Foreign Earned Income

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