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Californians Can File Federal Taxes For Free Through IRS Pilot Program
Felipe Castro holds a sign advertising a tax preparation office in Miami, Florida.
(
Joe Raedle
/
Getty Images
)
Topline:
The IRS is rolling out a new free service, Direct File, for qualifying taxpayers filing federal returns in 12 states this year, including California.
Who qualifies: The pilot applies currently only to federal tax filings, though California offers a separate program to file state taxes for free.
Direct File is limited to people who are filing certain forms, like W-2s and 1099-Gs for unemployment income. Unlike private free file programs like TurboTax, there are no income requirements to participate if the other qualifications are met.
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Who doesn't qualify: Workers filing freelance and gig income cannot file taxes under this program. Itemizing deductions and claiming certain credits also disqualifies you from participating.
How to file state returns for free: According to the IRS website, Direct File will redirect you to the free state program after completing your federal return. California's free state return program is CalFile.
The backstory: The IRS already has a separate free file program, though free state returns in California are only available through this program to people who make less than $45,000 per year.
IRS will begin accepting and processing tax returns on Jan. 29.
For more info: ...and to see the full list of requirements, visit the IRS's Direct File website.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
