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OP t1_j6i7qa8 wrote

The basics:

You should be able to file for free through the IRS Free File, assuming an adjusted gross income (AGI) below $73k a year.

Free state tax return as well.

If you worked in surrounding states, I break down which program lets you file free state returns.

Example: If you worked in MA last year but lived here, TaxSlayer is probably your best Free File bet, to file an RI, MA and federal tax return.

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t1_j6ifsu9 wrote

The free state tax return thing is so helpful. Sucks to get to the end of the free program just to discover you have to pay to file in RI.

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OP t1_j6iipcq wrote

I did this story partially because of my own experiences with Free File, where I've had the same thing happen and realize I needed to use a different program that would have given me an extra state's return for free (working in MA, living in RI).

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t1_j6j4mie wrote

Freetaxusa.com is the best imo.

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OP t1_j6jkuvr wrote

Freetaxusa is fine if your AGI is below 41k.

>FreeTaxUSA allows anyone with an adjusted gross income under $41,000 to file free federal and state tax returns. For active-duty military, the limit is $73,000.

Last year and this year, I have to file state returns in MA and RI, so the freefile version of TaxSlayer is what I'm using/used, this year and last. Before that, I used the FreeFile version of taxact.

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t1_j6jln8b wrote

In past years I have only had to pay for my state returns on freetaxusa, and even then I use a 10 or 20 percent off coupon which brings it below 30 bucks for a MA/RI return. I will have to confirm that is the case. Does tax slayer do free everything for all AGIs?

Edit: confirmed free federal for everyone, 15 bucks per state when over thresholds mentioned above.

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OP t1_j6jmbhm wrote

From the article:

>TaxSlayer

>TaxSlayer offers free federal filing for those who are 57 or younger with an adjusted gross income limit of $60,000; for active military, the income limit is $73,000.

>TaxSlayer also offers free state returns for Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Vermont, but not Connecticut or Maine. Other state returns cost $39.95.

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t1_j6jml0z wrote

Gotcha so below those AGIs it makes sense. And above likely freetaxusa makes sense.

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OP t1_j6jnr3b wrote

The article breaks down income limits for each program, but:

I don't like paying, so I'd never go with FreeTaxUSA unless my AGI was below 41k.

I'm using TaxSlayer because I have to file returns in RI and MA and don't want to pay.

However, if I didn't have to file a return in MA, for me, TaxAct would be a viable option.

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t1_j6i7wyz wrote

https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free. Skip the projo paywall.

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OP t1_j6idjst wrote

It's not a premium story which means there's only a paywall if you've been reading us a lot, and then you should consider a subscription.

I did the work of collating which programs from Free File are applicable to us as RI residents, and for those who worked more than in just RI, and all the income limits. But by all means, do the work yourself.

>While eight companies are participating in the program this year, just four offer free preparation of federal and Rhode Island tax returns for Rhode Island residents.

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t1_j6iei5m wrote

I don’t read the projo anymore since it’s been gutted by the owners. A shadow if it’s former self. Globe RI section does better local coverage.

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t1_j6jlsae wrote

I’m going to start a free filing service for people making $100,000K + / year. Surely their data is worth more than the $500 - $1,000 they pay a local CPA every year.

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