IRS announces launch of Free File for 2016 tax season

ajc.com

The Internal Revenue Service and Free File Alliance announced today the launch of Free File, with many changes and updates for 2016, including more free state tax return options and easier W-2 imports.

For 2016, there are 13 brand-name tax software providers making their federal tax return products available for free.

Taxpayers whose adjusted gross income was $62,000 or less during 2015 are eligible for at least one, if not more, of the 13 tax software products.

The income limitation is $2,000 higher than last year. People can use Free File software immediately, but e-filed returns will not be transmitted to the IRS until Jan. 19 when the filing season officially begins.

For taxpayers who earned more than $62,000, there are Free File Fillable Forms, the electronic version of IRS paper forms. Free File Fillable Forms will be available on Jan. 19.

Free File is available only at IRS.gov/FreeFile.

The tax filing deadline is April 18. Taxpayers who cannot meet the April 18 filing deadline can also use Free File to file a six-month extension.

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