Tax season begins Monday, with free filing options available

(Gray News) - It’s that time of year.

On Monday, the Internal Revenue service will start accepting and processing 2023 federal income tax returns.

This year, IRS is giving people options to file their taxes online for free.

Taxpayers with an adjusted gross income of $79,000 or less can use guided tax preparation software by answering some simple questions.

You can choose between trusted IRS software partners who are providing their online tax preparation and filing for free, with math calculations guaranteed accurate.

The service is also available in Spanish.

Free fillable forms are available for tax filers of any income, but it includes no guidance and limited calculations.

The current free file program should not be confused with a direct file program being tested this year, which will involve a limited number of taxpayers in 12 states.

This IRS pilot program will allow taxpayers to figure out and submit returns to the government without having to use commercial tax preparation software.

The Direct File pilot program is rolling out in stages, with certain government employees invited to participate in the first weeks, according to The Associated Press. The program will expand in February and March to include additional taxpayers in certain states.

For some who need help preparing their tax returns, the IRS offers free tax return preparation for those who quality through the agency’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program offers help for those who need it who make $64,000 or less, those with disabilities and those whose command of English is limited.

Directions to the closest VITA and TCE centers are available from the IRS.

The Tax Counseling for the Elderly program is geared particularly for those 60 years of age and older, specializing in questions unique to seniors, such as pensions and retirement-related issues.

The deadline for filing for most people is April 15.

However, tax filers in Maine and Massachusetts have until April 17 to file and pay because those states’ holiday observance of Patriots’ Day and Emancipation Day.

People who miss the tax filing deadline will likely face a hefty penalty unless they ask for an extension.