About Free File: Free File is an IRS program that lets taxpayer use tax preparation software for free or at a discount. There are 19 Free File partners, including H&R Block's TaxCut software. You must meet certain criteria to be eligible for Free File software, and you must begin your Free File tax return at the IRS.gov Web site. You can find a list of all IRS Free File partners and an summary of my unbiased reviews at Free Tax Software.
Free File Partner: H&R Block TaxCut
Guide Rating: 5 out of 5 (highly recommended)
Free to Use if: Adjusted gross income of $50,000 or less, AND you are age of 50 or less.
Cost if not free: $9.95 to $29.95
Cost for State Tax Return: $24.95
Other Fees: Additional fees for refund loan products.
Forms Supported: 1040, 1040A, and 1040EZ.
Compatible Browsers: Requires Internet Explorer. H&R Block TaxCut is not compatible with Mozilla, Firefox, or Netscape browsers.
Easy to Use: TaxCut is very easy to use.
Marketing Messages: Unlike other Free File software, TaxCut did not have any annoying marketing messages to upgrade to a paid version of the software.
Speed: Fast.
Personal Observations: Provides free access to the TaxCut Premium software. Users have access to all of TaxCut Premium's tools, forms, and tips. The software did not detect a typo when entering my W2 (a common tax prep mistake). Overall, TaxCut is one of the very best free file software programs available. Highly recommended.
Web site: Go to the IRS Free File page, click the "Start Now" button, and click on the link for "H&R Block TaxCut." This will take you to the TaxCut Free File page. If you go directly to the TaxCut Web site, you will not qualify for the Free File edition of TaxCut.
