01013 - Taxpayer Advocacy Panel

Provide Clarity on Free File Pricing Under IRS.gov

Project Statement:

When taxpayers use the IRS Free File: Do your Taxes for Free site on IRS.gov, they may not be aware that additional fees might be charged when you use third-party software even when you are below the AGI $73,000 threshold. Some forms that might add additional charges to an otherwise free filing would be Schedule A for example.

Goal Statement:

Provide clarity around additional fees may incur when you use IRS Free File.

Special Projects Committee

Year: 2024

Status: Elevated

RECOMMENDATION 01013-001

RECOMMENDATION TEXT:

Add a notice on Free File: Do your Federal Taxes for Free | Internal Revenue Service (irs.gov) after the following sentence: IRS Free File lets qualified taxpayers prepare and file federal income tax returns online using guided tax preparation software. It’s safe, easy and no cost to you. However, please note that the additional use of certain tax forms or schedules may incur a fee. Those who don’t qualify for the IRS Free File program can still use Free File Fillable Forms. Justification: Taxpayers that use IRS Free File site on IRS.gov are not aware that the third-party preparers may charge fees when additional form are used.

Project 01013