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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.
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.
Sponsored message
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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