Eligible seniors should take advantage of free filing options this tax season

Posted by: Zaher Fallahi

Posted On: Feb 09, 2023

Source: IRS

Seniors and retirees who want to file their taxes for free or find free in-person tax help can look at a few programs available for eligible taxpayers.

In-person IRS help for seniors and low-income taxpayers
Eligible taxpayers can also have their taxes prepared in person for free, through these two programs:

Tax Counseling for the Elderly – The TCE program prioritizes taxpayers aged 60 and older. TCE specializes in questions about pensions and retirement-related issues unique to seniors.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance – The VITA program is generally for people who make $60,000 or less, people with disabilities and limited English-speaking taxpayers.

Taxpayers can go to the IRS Free Tax Preparation page of IRS.gov and use the available site locator tools to find a TCE or VITA site near them.

IRS Free File

Many seniors and retirees can file their taxes for free with IRS Free File, available at gov/FreeFile. The program offers online tax preparation software for taxpayers with income of $73,000 or less in 2022.
Through this program, a public-private partnership between IRS and the Free File Inc, leading tax software providers make their online products available for free. This year, there are seven products in English and one in Spanish.
Each IRS Free File partner sets its own eligibility standards based on income, age and state residency. Taxpayers can browse each of the offers or use the IRS Free File Lookup Tool to find the right product for them.
The program software supports the most common forms that can be filed electronically, including the Form 1040-SR for seniors over the age of 65.
Program providers also offer state income tax return preparation, some for free and some for a fee. Taxpayers can use the lookup tool to find the right state product.
All program products are enabled for mobile devices so taxpayers can use their smart phone or tablet to do their taxes.

Free File Fillable Forms
While IRS Free File has an income cutoff, taxpayers with income over $73,000 can use Free File Fillable Forms. Fillable Forms don’t include guided preparation, so taxpayers need to be comfortable completing their own tax forms.

Certain veterans can use MilTax
MilTax online software is available to certain veterans, regardless of income, and is offered through the Department of Defense. MilTax allows eligible taxpayers to prepare and file their federal income tax returns and up to three state income tax returns for free.

End of IRS Publication.

Zaher Fallahi, Tax CPA, and Tax Defense Attorney, assists taxpayers nationwide with their tax preparation, cryptocurrency tax, foreign gifts, undisclosed foreign bank accounts, and international tax matters. Tel.: (310) 719-1040, (714) 546-4272 and (877) 687-7558 toll free nationwide. Websites: zflegal.com and zfcpa.com E-mail taxattorney@zfcpa.com

Eric B

23:23 21 Nov 22

Mr. Fallahi handled filing my foreign inheritance tax return and FBAR international tax filings. He was unassuming, thorough, and responsive. He was available via text, email or call, daytime hours and after hours, weekdays and weekends. He made himself available to my schedule and went above and beyond to ensure my peace of mind. It was a pleasure working with him and someone I highly recommend.

Alireza Modafe

02:57 14 Nov 22

I have known Mr. Fallahi for more than five years and have been using his legal expertise for several tax and OFAC related cases. I have been very happy with his advice and the outcome of those cases. He is an excellent attorney and CPA, very professional, responsive, and caring. He goes above and beyond to ensure your peace of mind. I highly recommend him.

Araz bk

00:28 10 Nov 22

We hired Mr. Fallahi for an international money transfer matter that required OFAC compliance. Mr. Fallahi was very knowledgeable about the matter and knew all the legal nuances pertaining to the money transfer regulations. He is very kind and responsive and answered all of our questions during consultation session and after it. I definitely recommend him to any one that needs legal help in the similar cases.

Vahid Emadi

15:46 26 Oct 22

Mr Fallahi was a great help to me and my family. He is a very knowledgeable lawyer and knows the ups and down of the law about our case. He gave us an step by step direction and made this a very easy process.I have to mention that his staff in Costa Mesa were always polite and helpful.

Elizabeth Jaleh Raissi

10:50 18 Aug 22

Mr. Zaher went above and beyond for me. His fees are comparable to other attorneys in the field. Nothing extravagant. In addition I received a personal attention I did not from other attorneys I've worked with. He made himself available when he was out of the office and worked diligently to meet a crucial deadline for me even as a first time customer. I am happy to have found an attorney such as Mr. Zaher.