JANUARY 23, 2023
The IRS started accepting 2022 tax returns on January 23. If you aren’t ready to file — and most aren’t — it’s still a good time to figure out how you’re going to do it. Here’s what you need to know about your options.
That’s the adjusted gross income threshold for 2022 returns to be eligible to file your federal returns for free, using IRS Free File at: irs.gov/FreeFile
Each of the IRS’s nine free filing options have different age, income and residence requirements. Only one, FreeTaxUSA, includes free state tax filing and it’s only for those earnings $41,000 or less.
Read the fine print
Don’t qualify for free filing? Filing in January can save you up to $30 off TurboTax. Chase offers its own discounts through tax day when you pay using their cards, and it’s often possible to find other deals.
Save on commercial tax programs
If you are self-employed or are otherwise looking to maximize tax credits and deductions due to special circumstances, you could save hundreds or thousands on your final tax bill by using an accountant.
When to call in a pro
That’s the average fee professional tax preparers charged in 2021 for 2020 itemized federal tax returns — a figure that has likely increased due to inflation.