Free Tax Preparation and Filing in Portland

Photo by Karolina Grabowska

Take the stress and expense out of filing taxes.

Looking for free help with your tax preparation? You’re in luck. These tax support programs will help you prepare your documents and file your taxes. 

Taxes can be tricky, but filing them should not come at a high cost to you. Keep in mind that all of the commercial tax filing companies, from H&R Block to TurboTax, have free file options. The only downside is that these companies use a multitude of tactics to get you pay upwards of $80 just to file your taxes.

This year, before you start your taxes with a tax filing company, read through these tax support, preparation and filing services to see if you qualify for a better option.

Below are free tax preparation services, both in-person and online, and more information to help you file your taxes for free or cheaper than last year. 

Free Tax Preparation and Filing in Portland

Free Tax Help

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide provides in-person and remote tax assistance free of charge to anyone, with a special focus on taxpayers who are 50 or older with low to moderate income. Federal and state tax assistance is available at all locations. 

There are multiple locations throughout the Portland metro. Find a location near you by searching on their site. You can also submit a request for help online.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance

The VITA program offers free tax help to people who generally make $60,000 or less, persons with disabilities, the elderly and limited English speaking taxpayers who need assistance preparing their tax returns. IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals.

CASH Oregon

CASH Oregon provides low income families and individuals from every community and background in Oregon with tax assistance. Their volunteers are trained and certified to prepare most individual tax returns and limited self-employment returns.

To qualify, your household income must be $64,000 or less. 

CASH Oregon has virtual and in-person appointments. See the full list of free resources.

MyFreeTaxes

MyFreeTaxes from United Way allows you to file your taxes on your own or get assistance online. This service partners with the IRS to help you easily and accurately file your federal and state taxes.

The income limitation to file your taxes for free is under $79,000. To file with assistance, your income limitation is $60,000 or less. See if you qualify.

Free Online Tax Preparation Programs

If you meet the income criteria for the free resources above, chances are you can also find online tax preparation to e-file for free. The Oregon Department of Revenue generated a full list of approved free tax filing software vendors. The best part is these programs will give you added guidance throughout the filing process to make sure you’re on track.

Read about all the free online tax preparation programs to see if you are eligible. These options allow you to file both your federal and state income taxes.

File Your Taxes for Free and Cheap

If you do not meet the income criteria for the preparation and free filing tax programs above, you can still file your federal taxes for free. Yet, keep in mind you must be comfortable completing tax forms yourself when choosing this option.

A great option for filing your federal tax return is FreeTaxUSA. This free online tax preparation software allows you to submit your taxes directly to the IRS. You’ll file your federal taxes for free and pay a small fee of $14.99 for state taxes.

Also, there is a free option for filing your state taxes. In Oregon, you can file your state income return (Form OR-40) for free via Direct File Oregon. Direct File Oregon is not connected to the IRS filing system. So you will need to file your federal return separately with the IRS before filing your Oregon return with Direct File Oregon.

With these free tax preparation and filing options, you can approach this tax season with confidence and save money. 

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