Filing your taxes without paying for software

Many students can file a federal tax return without paying for software or a preparer. This page walks through IRS Free File, Free File Fillable Forms and volunteer tax sites, so you can pick the route that suits your return.

Why filing can matter on a small income

Filing can pay off even on a small income, because a return is the only way to get back federal tax withheld from your paychecks. It is also how you claim refundable credits, including the refundable part of the American Opportunity credit. A tool on the IRS website asks a few questions and tells you whether you are required to file.

A filed return also gives the FAFSA something to draw on, since the form pulls tax information directly from the IRS with your consent. Keep a copy, because schools sometimes ask to verify income.

IRS Free File

IRS Free File is a partnership between the IRS and private tax software companies. People with income under a limit the IRS sets each year can use guided software from a partner at no charge for the federal return. Start from the Free File page on the IRS website rather than a company's own home page, since the same company may sell paid versions there.

Each partner sets its own conditions, such as age, state of residence or the forms it supports, and some include a free state return while others charge for it. Read the offer before you begin, and leave if you are asked to pay for something you did not choose.

Have ready before you file

• Photo ID and a Social Security card or ITIN letter
• W-2s, 1099s, 1098-T and any 1098-E
• Last year's return, if you filed one
• Bank account and routing numbers

Free File Fillable Forms

For people above the income limit, or anyone comfortable with the forms themselves, the IRS offers Free File Fillable Forms. These are electronic versions of the paper forms with basic math done for you, and they carry no income limit. They give little guidance, so they suit a simple return and someone who already knows which lines apply.

Fillable Forms covers the federal return only. Your state revenue department's website will say whether it offers its own free filing option.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance

VITA sites are run by IRS-certified volunteers who prepare and file returns at no charge for people generally under an income limit, people with disabilities and people with limited English. Many colleges host a site during tax season, often staffed by accounting students under supervision. The IRS website has a locator that finds sites by ZIP code.

Sites usually take appointments or walk-ins on set days from late January through April. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards or ITIN letters, every tax form you received, last year's return if you filed one, and your bank account and routing numbers for a direct deposit refund.