Frequently Asked Questions

MyFreeTaxes connects users who need more support filing their return to partner nonprofits who are part of the IRS’ Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program (accessible by selecting the "Have My Taxes Prepared For Me" option on our homepage.) These programs generally support all tax situations except:

• Returns with Rental Property Income
• Returns with Farm Income
• Returns with income well above $58,000*

If you are ineligible to have your return prepared for you through the IRS’ VITA program, you can still use our free self-preparation software to file your taxes yourself. Click here to get started.

*Income limits for VITA programs vary, but are no less than $58,000. Many VITA programs support incomes above this level, so if you need your return prepared for you it is worth inquiring with our partner programs to see if they can assist you.

MyFreeTaxes helps people file their taxes for free while getting the assistance they need.

Our self-preparation software (accessible by selecting the “File My Own Taxes” option on our homepage) is completely free. We connect users to one of two self-preparation software options based on their income.

We also connect MyFreeTaxes users who need more support filing their return to partner nonprofits who are part of the IRS’ Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program (accessible by clicking on the “Have My Return Prepared For Me” option on our homepage.)

Common tax situations covered in MyFreeTaxes include:

• W-2 income
• Self-employment income (Schedule C and 1099)
• Mortgage interest deduction
• Health savings accounts (HSAs)
• Limited interest and dividend income reported on a 1099-INT or 1099-DIV
• Unemployment income
• Student education expenses and credits
• Student loan interest
• Claiming the standard deduction
• Itemized returns
• Earned Income Tax Credit (EIC)
• Child tax credits
• Child and dependent care expenses
• Non-resident returns
• Amended tax returns

For a complete list of forms included (or excluded) in MyFreeTaxes, see FAQs below.

The MyFreeTaxes Helpline is staffed by dedicated call specialists who have completed IRS VITA program training and certification. Our Helpline call specialists are available to answer questions about MyFreeTaxes, help you troubleshoot issues you may face while using the tax filing software we connect you to, and answer certain tax questions you have while completing your return through MyFreeTaxes.

Our main Helpline can be reached at 866-698-9435. It is available 10 am - 6 pm ET daily from January 24 - April 18, and 10 am - 6 pm ET daily from April 19 - October 31.

Our Puerto Rico Helpline specializes in providing support to Puerto Rico residents and can be reached at 877-722-9832. It is available from 8 am - 8 pm Atlantic Monday thru Friday and 8 am - 5 pm Saturday through October 31.

The MyFreeTaxes filing software is powered by TaxSlayer, which uses the highest industry standards to safeguard your information. United Way does not have access to any of your personal tax information.

MyFreeTaxes partners with the IRS to help people easily and accurately file their federal and state taxes.

MyFreeTaxes is 100% free. There are no charges or fees associated with any of our tax filing options.

United Way operates MyFreeTaxes and is committed to ensuring that you can easily and accurately file your taxes to receive the refunds you deserve. We care about making taxes free and less complicated in a safe and convenient online experience.

MyFreeTaxes helps people file their taxes for free while getting the assistance they need. United Way provides MyFreeTaxes in partnership with the IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program to help filers prepare their tax returns on their own or have their return prepared for them for free.

Since 2009, MyFreeTaxes has helped more than 1.3 million taxpayers claim every credit and deduction they deserve. These credits maximize filers’ refunds and provide important opportunities for individuals and families to build financial stability.

United Way launched MyFreeTaxes during a time when there were limited free online filing options, particularly for low- and moderate-income filers. The site was funded by the Walmart Foundation from 2009 to 2015, and promoted in partnership with One Economy, the National Disability Institute and Goodwill Industries International. From 2009 to 2020, the tax preparation software that powered MyFreeTaxes was provided by H&R Block. In recent years, the company also made significant contributions to the administration and promotion of MyFreeTaxes.

United Way fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community. We give people the financial education and tools to build a solid foundation that improves their lives and the lives of their children. For millions of Americans, tax refunds and credits are essential to their financial stability and success. That’s why United Way helps people save more of their hard-earned money. So far, more than 1.3 million people have used MyFreeTaxes, saving some $260 million in tax preparation fees.

If you start at www.MyFreeTaxes.com, select on the “File myself” option, and use the referral link we provide you to access the TaxSlayer software, you will not be charged.

Please do navigate to TaxSlayer through MyFreeTaxes and immediately log into your TaxSlayer account to associate your account with our referral link. If you navigate to TaxSlayer directly, or use a link from another website, we cannot guarantee you won’t accidentally access one of TaxSlayer’s paid products. If you see a fee, you'll need to delete your return and start over using the referral link we provide you. Please follow these steps:

• Log into your TaxSlayer account
• Using the gray side bar, go to Settings, then Transaction History
• In the Deactivate Tax Return section, select a reason from the drop down menu and click the "Clear Your Return and Restart" button
  • If the Deactivate Tax Return section is empty, please log out of your account, close your internet browser, re-open your browser, and repeat the steps above. 
• Go to www.myfreetaxes.com, choose our self-file option, and complete our questions. We will connect you to our partner software using our special referral link. Please immediately log into your tax software account using to ensure your account is tagged with our referral link.

The best way to guarantee you can file for free is to start at www.MyFreeTaxes.com and then use the link we email to you when preparing your return.

If you didn’t file last year’s return and are owed a refund there are no penalties. If you owe taxes, you might owe the IRS a “failure to file” and “failure to pay on time” penalty in addition to last year’s taxes. You only have three years from the initial return due date to file and claim a refund you are owed.

The MyFreeTaxes self-preparation software (accessible by selecting the “File My Own Taxes” option on our homepage) only includes current year returns.

The MyFreeTaxes option to have your return prepared for you (accessible by selecting the “Have My Taxes Prepared For Me” option on our homepage) connects users who need more support filing their return to partner nonprofits that are part of the IRS’ Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. These programs can prepare returns for each of the last three years if you meet their eligibility criteria.

You can also access prior year forms and instructions from the IRS.

There are several factors that affect whether or not you will need to file a tax return, including your age, gross income, and filing status. you likely have to file a 2021 return if you are under 65, earned at least $12,550 in 2021, and file single. See the chart below for more details or get more information from the IRS here.

There are benefits to filing your taxes even if your income falls below these thresholds. You may be eligible for tax credits that entitle you to a refund. Tax filing is also an important way to verify your income if you are applying for Federal Student Aid, social security, or a loan from a bank or credit union.

Federal tax returns are due around April 15 each year. However, if you get a refund from the IRS and do not owe taxes, you will not face a penalty for failing to file by the return deadline. You have until October 15 to electronically file a current-year return. For example, 2021 tax year returns can be electronically filed until October 15, 2022. 

Do you need to file a prior-year return to claim any missed refund or tax credits? You can do so within three years of the original filing deadline. For example, a 2018 return, which was initially due in April 2019, may be filed by April 2022 to receive any owed refund.

Please note, the MyFreeTaxes self-preparation filing method only supports current year returns. Please choose our "Have My Taxes Filed For Me" option if you need assistance filing a past-due, prior-year return.

The IRS will start accepting 2021 returns on Monday, January 24, 2022.

Yes! You can claim any funds from the third stimulus check (economic impact payment) on your 2021 tax return by completing the Recovery Rebate Credit section. Here is how you can find the form in our partner's tax software:

1. Log in
2. Click Federal
3. Click COVID-19 Relief
4. Click "Begin" next to Recovery Rebate Credit
5. Enter the amount you already received. If you didn't receive any, enter $0.

Please note, you should answer this question accurately. If the IRS believes the information you enter in this field is incorrect, your return may be delayed while they work to correct the error. Read more here at irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit.

If you need to claim funds from the first or second stimulus payment you can claim those funds by filing a 2020 return. You can file a 2020 return through our "Have My Return Prepared For Me" option.

Yes, you can use MyFreeTaxes to claim the tax credits and deductions you deserve. You can even file a return to claim your Child Tax Credit even if you did not have any income.

If you have no income but want to e-file your return, the IRS recommends entering $1 in the “Other Income” section of your Federal return with “IN ORDER TO E-FILE" listed in the description field. 

Follow these steps: 

• Click “Income” under the Federal section. 
• Scroll down and click Begin next to “Less Common Income”. 
• Click Begin next to “Other Income Not Reported Elsewhere”. 
• Select Other Income from the drop-down menu. 
• Enter $1 for the value and list "IN ORDER TO E-FILE" in the description.

You can deactivate your tax return to delete it from our partner's tax software. If you wish, this will allow you to start over from scratch. Follow these steps: 

1. Log into your account with the tax software provider.
2. Click on Settings, then Transaction History.
3. In the "Deactivate Tax Return" section, select a reason from the drop-down menu and select "Clear Your Return and Restart."

You can deactivate your tax return to delete it from our partner's tax software. If you wish, this will allow you to start over from scratch. Follow these steps: 

1. Log into your account with the tax software provider.
2. Click on Settings, then Transaction History.
3. In the "Deactivate Tax Return" section, select a reason from the drop-down menu and select "Clear Your Return and Restart."  

Yes! You can file a return using our partner’s free software without reporting any income. If no have no income this will enable you to claim certain refundable tax credits, like the Child Tax Credit. The IRS recommends entering $1 in the “Other Income” section of your Federal return with “IN ORDER TO E-FILE" listed in the description field. 

Follow these steps: 

• Click “Income” under the Federal section. 
• Scroll down and click Begin next to “Less Common Income”. 
• Click Begin next to “Other Income Not Reported Elsewhere”. 
• Select Other Income from the drop-down menu. 
• Enter $1 for the value and list "IN ORDER TO E-FILE" in the description.

This is a security feature from the filing software provider. Your direct deposit information was transferred with both your Federal and State returns if that is what you selected. When you print or download your own copy of your return from the filing software you will see your direct deposit information is either blank or listed as all Xs.

If you are having trouble locating where to enter your prior year AGI please follow these steps: 

• Click on E-file on the gray navigation bar on the left side of the screen. 
• Check yes and click continue 
• In step 4, “Sign and File,” there is a question that reads: “Did you electronically file (e-file) your return last year?”.  
• In order to reveal the section to enter your prior year AGI you will need to select the top option, which reads “Yes, I e-filed my 2020 return and have access to it.” Click continue. 
• Select the type of return you filed last year. For most users it will be 1040. Click continue. 
• Then enter your prior year AGI and click continue. 

This is a security feature from the filing software provider. Your direct deposit information was transferred with both your Federal and State returns if that is what you selected. When you print or download your own copy of your return from the filing software you will see your direct deposit information is either blank or listed as all Xs.

If you receive a message that you need an updated URL to file with one of our software partners, you likely accessed that software option directly without going through MyFreeTaxes.com first. You can fix this by choosing our "File My Own Taxes" self-filing option, answering the prompts, and then allowing us to connect you to our tax software partner via our special referral link.

Here are two sample error codes you may see:

• "You are attempting to use an invalid URL. Please contact your VITA/TCE volunteer or VITA/TCE site for an updated URL."
• "You must use a valid URL to create your 2021 tax return. Please contact your VITA/TCE volunteer or VITA/TCE site for an updated URL."

Yes, you can, though it may be more financially advantageous to file jointly. Almost all married couples that file taxes separately are required to file a return since the income threshold is $5. Filing jointly may also help you qualify for many tax credits and deductions, including the EITC (Earned Income Tax Credit).

If you elect to file separately, keep in mind that If one spouse itemizes their deductions, the other spouse must do so as well. If neither spouse itemizes, both can take the standard deduction.

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a refundable credit based upon your earned (W-2) income. It usually increases as you add qualified dependents. Additional qualifications include:

• Taxpayers and qualifying dependents must have Social Security Numbers that allow them to work in the U.S.
• Cannot file as Married Filing Separately
• Must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien all year
• Cannot have foreign income
• Have investment income of $3,650 or less
• Cannot be claimed as a dependent by someone else
• Dependent(s) must be related to you, meet certain age requirements, must reside with you for more than half the year, and cannot be claimed by more than one person

For additional information on the EITC: https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/earned-income-tax-credit/use-the-eitc-assistant

Yes! You can file an extension through MyFreeTaxes and finish filing by October 15, 2022. If you owe taxes and do not pay by the April filing deadline, the IRS will charge you interest each month on the amount you owe until you file and pay. You can learn more here about filing an extension here.

The email notifying you of the rejection should provide the reason. Make corrections by logging back into your tax software account and refile. If that doesn't work, you may have to file a paper return or contact the IRS. Most common reasons for rejection are:
1. Employer EIN does not match IRS information
2. Social Security number does not match IRS name
3. Someone already filed using a dependent's Social Security number
4. IRS identity theft PIN is wrong or was omitted

The MyFreeTaxes self-preparation software (accessible by selecting the “File My Own Taxes” option on our homepage) allows filing and amending current year returns.

• To start amending your return, select E-file in the main navigation menu. Then, select the Amended Return menu item that appears below it in the navigation menu. 
• Once you have completed your amended return, select Continue at the bottom of the Amended Return menu to choose how you wish to file it. If you choose to e-file, complete the process to file your Amended Return the same way as your Federal Return.

The MyFreeTaxes option to have your return prepared for you (accessible by selecting the “Have My Return Prepared For Me” option on our homepage) connects users who need more support filing their return to partner nonprofits that are part of the IRS’ Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. These programs can file and amend returns for each of the last three years if you meet their eligibility criteria.

Federal Refund Status: If you need to check the status of your refund, you can use the IRS online application by clicking on the following link: "Where's My Refund?". You can also check the status of your federal refund by phone by calling the IRS Refund Hotline at 1-800-829-1954. For video assistance with tracking your Federal refund, please click here.
State Refund Status: Most states provide online status inquiry. Some states have automated phone verification for refund status, those telephone numbers are provided on the website.

There are a number of reasons that the tax refund could be delayed. First, check to make sure that you received an email confirmation that your return was accepted by both the federal and state government. Second, check to make sure that all of your tax documents were included with your return. Missing documents are a common reason for refund delays.

If you claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC), your refund may be delayed. The 2015 PATH Act requires all refunds claiming the EITC and/or the ACTC (Additional Child Tax Credit) to be held until mid-February regardless of how you filed.

If your tax return included an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) application/ renewal, or if you recently received a new SSN for yourself or anyone else on your return, this could also delay your refund. If the IRS needs additional verification or if your return gets audited, they may request additional authentication before releasing your tax refund.

If you need your prior year Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) to e-file and you don’t have access to your last year’s return Click here to go to the IRS Get Transcript Site.

If you suspect someone stole your identity and used your SSN to file your tax return: Click here to go to the IRS site to learn more about the steps you can take to protect yourself.

The Internal Revenue Service prohibits discrimination against taxpayers on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, sex, age, or reprisal. Taxpayers with a disability may request accommodations. You can read more here.

The IRS recommends a few options for obtaining your prior-year AGI.

Preferred Method
You should always retain a copy of your tax return.

On your prior-year tax return, your AGI is on line 8b of the Form 1040.

• If you are using the same tax preparation software that you used last year, that software will likely have your prior-year tax return for you to access.
• If you’re not using the same tax preparation software as last year, you may be able to access your prior-year software and view an electronic copy of your prior-year return.
• If you are a first-time filer over the age of 16 enter zero as your AGI.
• If you have an Identity Protection (IP) PIN, you should enter it when prompted by your software. It will serve to verify your identity, instead of your prior-year AGI or prior-year Self Select PIN. You can opt into the IP PIN program through the IRS’ online tool.

Alternative Methods

• If you do not have a copy of your tax return, you may use a Get Transcript self-help tool to get a Tax Return Transcript showing your AGI.
• Use the IRS’ Get Transcript Online tool to immediately view your AGI. You must pass the Secure Access identity verification process. Select the Tax Return Transcript and use only the “Adjusted Gross Income” line entry.
• Use Get Transcript by Mail or call 800-908-9946 if you cannot pass Secure Access and need to request a Tax Return Transcript. Please allow 5 to 10 days for delivery. Use only the “Adjusted Gross Income” line entry.

Special Instructions to Validate Your Electronic Tax Return

If your prior-year tax return has not yet been processed, enter $0 (zero dollars) for your prior year adjusted gross income (AGI).

If you used the Non-Filers tool in 2021 to register for an advance Child Tax Credit payment or third Economic Impact Payment in 2021, enter $1 as your prior year AGI. 

The IRS recommends a few options for obtaining your prior-year Earned Income Level.

Preferred Method
Retrieve a copy of your prior-year tax return.

• Look for Form 8812. Earned income is shown on line 6a.
• If there is no Form 8812, look for the EITC worksheets, which are usually included at the end of your return. Earned income is listed on Worksheet A, Line 1 and Worksheet B, Line 4b.

Alternative Methods
If you do not have a copy of your prior-year return, you can obtain a transcript from the IRS.

• If you do not have a copy of your tax return, you may use a Get Transcript self-help tool to get a Tax Return Transcript showing your earned income from a prior year.
• Use the IRS’ Get Transcript Online tool to immediately view your earned income for a certain tax year. You must pass the Secure Access identity verification process. Select the Tax Return Transcript and use only the “Schedule EIC Earned Income Per Computer” line entry.
• Use Get Transcript by Mail or call 800-908-9946 if you cannot pass Secure Access and need to request a Tax Return Transcript. Please allow 5 to 10 days for delivery. Use only the “Schedule EIC Earned Income Per Computer” line entry.