GREENSBORO, N.C. — You have about two months until your taxes are due. I know that seems like a lot of time, but if you need help, especially free help, it's going fast.
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program provides free tax help to those who earn $64,000 or less. It also serves people with disabilities and limited English speakers.
United Way VITA info Greensboro
Tax Counseling for the Elderly provides free tax help for individuals who are 60 years and older, specializing in pensions and retirement-related issues unique to seniors.
2 Wants To Know called several locations from each one and learned that appointments are going quickly. You'll need to call the locations near you to find out their schedule and when they have openings.
WHY YOU SHOULDN'T MAIL IN YOUR TAXES
Maybe you don't need any help doing your taxes, you've been doing them for years and you know the drill. But if you've been doing them so long you like to only use paper forms, you should change that.
"As you prepare to file your taxes, remember that paper equals problems. File electronically and use direct deposit to avoid a delay and you should get a refund in 21 days or less," said Jill Schlesinger, CBS News Business Analyst.
HOW TO USE THE IRS FREE FILE HELP
The IRS announced on Jan. 22 that Free File, a federal program that partners with outside providers to offer free online tax preparation and filing software, is ready to use. Any taxpayer or family whose adjusted gross income (AGI) was $79,000 or less in 2023 is eligible for IRS Free File.
Free File only guarantees you a free federal tax return, although the IRS says some providers offer free state tax return preparation and filing.
These eight tax providers are participating in IRS Free File in 2024:
- 1040Now
- Drake (1040.com)
- ezTaxReturn.com
- FileYourTaxes.com
- On-Line Taxes
- TaxAct
- TaxHawk (FreeTaxUSA)
- TaxSlayer
Taxpayers can use the IRS Free File online lookup tool to find the right provider for them.
Free File Fillable forms are available through the IRS to all taxpayers who are comfortable preparing their own tax returns. This is a free tax filing option for people whose income (AGI) is greater than $79,000.