Tax Filing for Free... not so fast, look again

[mysteryowl]

So, even if you go to the Irs.gov/freefile, you still are using a 3rd party software to file your taxes.
Why?
When did this happen that we can't file directly with the IRS?
Why have companies merged with our IRS?
So, to file my taxes with the IRS I have to share my information with a 3rd party company? WTF!

I have used a tax account for years, but not this year, so I see things have changed.

[mezame]

1. I've Filed My Fed Taxes Online For Free For Years...

...with no issues, usually got a refund too.

Those monthly taxes they take out of your paycheck? That's a loan you give to the IRS - they already know month to month everything about that income.

These 3rd parties aren't collecting anything that the IRS doesn't already know. They're strictly managing (under IRS rules/oversight) the FORMS only. The data the IRS collects isn't going to be sold to anyone or anywhere else - why on earth would they, and for what purpose? To rat you out to Putin?

Now, what isn't free, are software like TurboTax, or TaxAct online (and more) - regardless of their 'free' software, they always charge you a fee to file - at least your state taxes, if not for more advanced versions of their software.

BTW, at least in CA, I can also file my state taxes directly for free on their website.

Calm down. Give it a try. It'll be ok. They won't be coming to get you...unless your accountant has been hiding something from you.

[mysteryowl]

2. Thank you for responding.

I guess my biggest my concern and objection is that in order to file with the IRS I have to use a 3rd party software.
I don't want to share my information with a 3rd party. My taxes are between me and the IRS.

I can do the mail-in option and bypass the 3rd party issue, but with our current mail system that might be sketchy.

[Totally Tunsie]

3. Sorry, but this isn't true.

Now, what isn't free, are software like TurboTax, or TaxAct online (and more) - regardless of their 'free' software, they always charge you a fee to file - at least your state taxes, if not for more advanced versions of their software.

I file my taxes electronically each year using TurboTax and have never paid a fee for Federal or State taxes.

[mysteryowl]

9. You use TurboTax for free, it must be thru the government website?

[Totally Tunsie]

11. Here's the Intuit link from a current e-mail reminder to me:

https://freefile.intuit.com/?&cid=em_46852_4501_001_2020__DT_

All states are completely free with IRS Free File Program
delivered by TurboTax.
If you qualify for free federal filing, you also qualify for free state filing. Learn more.

Since I'm retired, my income qualifies under the limit. I am subsidized by investments and savings.

[mysteryowl]

13. Thanks, I saved it for use next year if I decide to share my information with 3rd party.

[Totally Tunsie]

14. It's worth a try.

I've filed this way for years and have never had a problem.

Hope it might work out for you also.

[mysteryowl]

15. I'm sure it will, it just is a privacy sacrifice, but what's new these days.

Privacy does not exist, we are owned by corporations.

Thanks

[moonscape]

10. Must depend on the state, or maybe the

version one uses. I use TurboTax Pemium and have to pay $20 if I want to file my CA state taxx electronically.

[Totally Tunsie]

12. Here's the Intuit link from a current e-mail reminder to me:

https://freefile.intuit.com/?&cid=em_46852_4501_001_2020__DT_

All states are completely free with IRS Free File Program
delivered by TurboTax.
If you qualify for free federal filing, you also qualify for free state filing. Learn more.

Since I'm retired, my income qualifies under the limit. I am subsidized by investments and savings.

[ananda]

4. Same here. I have used OLT with no problems.

I'm about to use it again this weekend when I
do my taxes.

[twin_ghost]

5. You can always file in paper by US mail.

I've never used online filing for taxes because it is a privacy invasion.

[mysteryowl]

7. I decided I perfer privacy as well.

I mailed my in today.

[BSdetect]

6. In Australia its Govt run and free. At least for low income people.

[mysteryowl]

8. It is supposed to be free here as well, but it goes thru a 3rd party, which is the issue I am having

[Tree Lady]

16. I use free fillables

Basically you do your own taxes and it just has online forms and does the math.

You have to data entry all W2's and 1099's but I guess I am control freak.

I notice as I get older though it is more challenging. 😜

[mysteryowl]

17. I saw the free fillables option and also noticed it is in partnership with Intuit.

So, I have now learned the only eFiling is in partnership with government and 3rd party.

We are almost a complete oligarch.