Free state tax filing options
Along with tax season comes tax preparation, which few people enjoy even if you’re owed a tax refund instead of a tax bill. Not only do you have to file a federal tax return, but in most states, you also have to file a state income tax return.
Most state tax returns are due the same day as your federal tax return: April 15, 2019, or April 17, 2019, for taxpayers who live in Maine and Massachusetts. There are seven states that don’t impose an income tax at all. You don’t have to worry about filing a state income tax return if you live and work in one of these states.
If you do need to file state taxes, you can save money in a few different ways. Depending on your income, you might qualify for free tax advice and services through the Internal Revenue Service. Here’s what you need to know about filing your state income taxes for free.
Options for Filing State Taxes for Free
Many software programs offer free federal returns but charge you to file a state income return. Three federal-assisted programs provide free support and services for taxpayers who file state and federal income taxes:
RELATED: Take a look at the U.S. states where Americans pay the highest in state income taxes:
How to Qualify for Free IRS Tax Filing Through IRS Free File
The IRS has partnered with the Free File Alliance, a group of tax software companies, to provide IRS Free File for qualifying taxpayers. IRS Free File offers free tax preparation and filing services, for both federal and state returns. To qualify for IRS Free File, your adjusted gross income must be less than $66,000. According to the IRS, that means 70 percent of taxpayers qualify for this free tax-filing benefit.
For people with AGIs that exceed $66,000, the IRS offers forms you can fill out for federal taxes, which can be downloaded for free. When using the free forms, you’re on your own when it comes to filling them out — the software only offers basic guidance and math calculations, and help with your state income taxes is not available. So, if you’re not comfortable doing your own income tax return, you should find a reputable tax preparer or tax software that can provide additional help.
Your state might offer free options for filing taxes in 2019. For example, Kansas offers WebFile, a free way to e-file a tax return for your state income taxes. The California Franchise Tax Board has CalFile, which allows you to file a free California income tax return online. Keep in mind that these services are for filing state taxes only so you’ll need to find another way to file federal taxes.
How to File State Taxes With IRS Free File
To use IRS Free File to file state taxes at no cost, take the following steps:
Gather required documentation, including your prior year’s tax return, Social Security numbers for yourself and your spouse and any dependents, and documents relating to taxable income for the year, such as W-2s and 1099s, Social Security benefit statements and unemployment benefit statements.
Go to the IRS Free File website and select the tax software you would like to use. The IRS offers a tool to help you find the right one for you based on your age, income and state of residency. Be sure to check the fees because offering the state tax returns for free is at the discretion of the providers, according to the IRS.
The instructions will guide you through the process to securely and safely file taxes online. You can pay taxes you owe, if any, when you file.
See: Here’s the Average American’s Tax Bill in Every State — How Do You Compare?
How to Qualify for Free Tax Preparation Through IRS Programs
The IRS also offers two free volunteer-run assistance programs to prepare tax returns for people who qualify.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA): Provides free tax help, including filing state tax returns, to anyone who makes under $55,000 per year for tax season 2019, plus persons with disabilities and individuals who speak limited English
Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE): Specializes in assisting people age 60 and older with filing their taxes, specializing in tax situations unique to the elderly and retirees
VITA and TCE sites can help file state income tax returns for every state that requires income tax returns.
Learn: How to File Taxes Early — and Get Your Return Faster
How to File Taxes Through VITA and TCE
Before visiting a VITA or TCE location, gather your required information, including identification, your prior year’s tax return, all of your tax forms like W-2s and 1099s, information regarding any other income, and any information regarding tax deductions and credits you qualify for. Then take the following steps to take advantage of these ways to file your state taxes for free:
Locate the closest VITA or TCE location using the VITA/TCE locator tool or calling 800-906-9887.
The volunteers will review your documentation to prepare your tax return for you. Though the VITA and TCE volunteers can help with most returns, they can’t help with Schedule C losses, complicated capital gains, nondeductible IRA contributions, minor’s investment income, applications for a Social Security number, premium tax credits or determining worker status for purposes of federal employment taxes and income tax withholding.
You won’t qualify for free state income tax filing if your income is too high, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have to file. The good news is there are many other options that aren’t too expensive, and you can even file your taxes from your phone.
Click through to read more about every single tax write-off you could possibly take.
More from GO Banking Rates:
The Complete Guide to Filling Out Your W-4 Form
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These Are the Receipts to Keep for Doing Your Taxes
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Gabrielle Olya contributed to the reporting for this article.
This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Free State Tax Filing Options
