Even if you’re expecting a tax refund, this time of year can be, well, taxing on your wallet when it comes to paying for tax preparation services. The good news is that, if you qualify, you can get FREE help filing your return and not spend a dime. Here are some online and in-person programs to investigate:
Source: Depositphotos
♦ Using Free File, taxpayers have a fast, safe and FREE option when it comes to preparing their own federal taxes. Free File offers brand-name online tax-preparation software to individuals or families who earned who earned $73,000 or less in 2022. (That’s about 70% of taxpayers.)
Those who earned more can still use the FREE online fillable forms (but not the software). Both options allow you to file returns electronically and use direct deposit, the fastest way to get refunds.
FreeFile does the hard work for you. The software asks questions and you provide the answers. It picks the right forms, does the math and helps you find all the tax benefits for which you are eligible.
If you are nervous about doing your own taxes, there are other FREE options.
♦ Tax Help Colorado offers assistance at community colleges, universities, high schools, child care centers and housing authorities. Hours and days vary by location. You can find a free tax site here.
♦ The Denver Asset Building Coalition (DABC) helps low- and moderate-income wage earners with FREE federal and state income tax preparation. DABC operates Tax Supersites in Denver, Aurora, Lakewood, Edgewater and Arvada. You’ll find a complete list of DABC Free Tax SuperSites here.
Services are available on a walk-in basis. Families making less than $58,000 or single filers making less than $35,000 in total income are eligible. Wait times are usually less than 30 minutes.
♦ The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program offers FREE tax preparation assistance for low-income taxpayers — especially those 60 and older. Membership is not required and all ages may use this service.
Colorado has more than 50 Tax-Aide sites, including senior centers, libraries and other convenient locations. Starting in late January you can locate an AARP Foundation Tax-Aide site by visiting www.aarp.org/findtaxhelp or call (toll free) 1-888-687-2277.
You can search for sites nearest to your home or work. Do read each listing carefully as some sites operate only on certain days and/or require appointments. Others welcome walk-ins. Be sure to bring these forms with you.
♦ Check out the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA). This is a service for families earning $57,000 or less. IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation and can inform taxpayers about special tax credits for which they may qualify such as Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, and Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled.
VITA sites are generally located at community centers, libraries, schools, shopping malls, and other convenient locations. Find a VITA site here.
Find more free tax sites by visiting 211colorado.org/tax-assistance or by calling 2-1-1.
If none of these options works for you and your decide to DIY your tax returns, here are some discounts on software and other supplies that can help.
At the time of this post, all of the below items are discounted by 20% to 45%, but prices change rapidly and promotions can end suddenly on Amazon, so the prices might be different when you see this.
![TurboTax Deluxe 2022 Tax Software, Federal and State Tax Return, [Amazon Exclusive] [PC/MAC Download]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/4109JO7ZJ-L._SL160_.jpg)
- Recommended if you own a home, have charitable donations, high medical expenses and need to file both Federal & State Tax Returns
- Includes 5 Federal e-files and 1 State via download ($45 value). State e-file sold separately. Free U.S.-based product support (hours may vary).
- Get your taxes done right and your maximum refund
![H&R Block Tax Software Deluxe + State 2022 with Refund Bonus Offer (Amazon Exclusive) [PC Download]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41n0FVam4VL._SL160_.jpg)
- Choose to put your refund on an Amazon gift card and you can get a 2.75% bonus. See below for details
- One state program download included— a $39.95 value
- Reporting assistance on income from investments, stock options, home sales, and retirement
![H&R Block Tax Software Basic 2022 with Refund Bonus Offer (Amazon Exclusive) [PC Download]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41rchdu44OL._SL160_.jpg)
- Choose to put your refund on an Amazon gift card and you can get a 2.75% bonus. See below for details
- Step-by-step Q&A guidance
- Quickly import your W-2, 1099, 1098, and last year’s personal tax return, even from TurboTax and Quicken Software
- MONTHLY BILLS ORGANIZER - ThinkTex Portable accordian file organizer, top and bottom both expandable, 12 pockets and multi-colored tabs, for letter/A4 size
- LARGE CAPACITY - 12 pockets, organising all in one place, expand and shrink with growing files flexibly. Closed bottom makes papers stay in the proper slot
- QUICK ACCESS - Bright colorful tabs with monthly labels, just take a glance and locate. The tabs is clear and easy to read, not obscured by files
- [LARGE DISPLAY] - The huge LCD screen that clearly displays big numbers makes it easy to read from afar, and it’s aesthetically pleasing.
- [SENSITIVE AND BIG BUTTONS] - Your calculation process will be faster and smoother with this calculator’s responsive buttons. Once pressed, the buttons quickly register and display the corresponding number on the screen. The big size of the buttons prevents you from hitting the wrong button.
- [DUAL POWER DESIGN] - This calculator utilizes both the solar power and battery power (battery included). The solar panel, as long as you use it in a lit environment, will power up the calculator thoroughly.
- The soft, fashionable colors will give your work a subtle but stylish look, including Pink, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple.
- Quick-drying ink prevents smears and smudges.
- Highlighter with large ink reservoir for long marking.