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Level 1
posted Feb 28, 2021 6:06:34 PM

IRS Free File Program Limitations?

Hello,

 
Before I spend multiple hours inputting data into this program only to find it won't cover my tax situation I am wondering if anyone can shed any light on its limitation(s)?
 
To be clear, the program that I am asking about you can find it at the IRS website here:
https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free
 
This will eventually lead to this TurboTax site here:
https://freefile.intuit.com/?id=13a2e8bc-0344-4c10-96fb-1833438c80eb
 
Please note that this is NOT the $0 TurboTax Free Edition product shown on the TurboTax product website
 
I am retired and will definitely meet the less than $39,000 AGI limit to qualify for the program. However, my income comes from IRA distributions and other investment income. The investment income is comprised of stock dividends, mutual fund dividends, and capital gains.
 
Well, I just stumbled upon this on the TT website..."The IRS Free File Program delivered by TurboTax is geared towards lower-income filers, regardless of tax return complexity, and is only offered through the IRS Free File Alliance (FFA) program. No upgrades are available".
 
So it looks like it should meet my needs. So can anyone who has used this program please confirm?
 
Thanks,
Steve

0 3 1046
3 Replies
Expert Alumni
Mar 2, 2021 11:24:24 AM

Yes.  The TurboTax FreeFile has all the bells and whistles as the regular TurboTax program but you don't have the online support, able to get upgrades like MaxBenefits (with audit defense) or return history stored year over year.   To qualify, your AGI must be $39,000 or less, or you qualify for earned income tax credit, or you are active duty military with a military issue W-2.

Level 1
Mar 4, 2021 4:51:15 PM

Hello,

 

So do you know if/how the IRS free file version handles prior year carryovers? I am thinking things like tax credits not completely used in a prior year and also gains and losses that have to be carried over.

 

Since the online versions have no forms mode how would the carryover data be input? Does the program ask questions about prior years carryover so that it can be input manually?

 

Thanks,

Steve

Intuit Alumni
Mar 5, 2021 10:29:02 AM

You can see all of what the IRS Free File with Turbo Tax does by going here, https://freefile.intuit.com/.