Things You'll Need

Instructions

1

Visit the IRS website (see resources) to find a tax site that offers free federal filing. In most cases, you can qualify if you meet the guidelines of the particular site. There are about 20 sites to look at to make a decision. When you find a site to use, click the link and follow it to the tax preparation site. If your state does not have a free tax filing site, you can choose to file your state taxes from the program you are using for a small fee.
2

Enter your personal information. This includes your name, address, city, state and ZIP code. If you have a spouse or dependents, you will be instructed to enter this information as well.
3

Fill out information requested for income. This includes W-2 forms, 1099 forms and any income you earned that was not reported on a W-2 or 1099.
4

Fill out any information you have for deductions and credits in the next section. The software walks you through each question. If you are unsure about any deduction or credit you may have, allow the software to go through each question and ask you for answers to see if you qualify for any credits or deductions you may not know about.
5

Continue to your state return if you want to file both federal and state taxes with the same software. The software will transfer all of your federal data to the state return. Then it will ask you questions pertaining to any deductions and credits that you may have for the state that you did not have for the federal.
6

Continue to the end of the program, and you will be asked to allow the software to check for any potential errors. Run the check and correct any errors you may have.
7

Use a debit card or credit card to pay the federal or state filing fee, if any. Then select the option to e-file. You will be instructed to view and print your returns to review. Next, you will enter your bank information if you want your refund put into your bank account. Select a PIN number, enter your adjusted gross income from the previous year and submit.
8

Wait for the email confirming that your returns have been submitted and check your e-file status to see the progress of your return at any time.