Did you know that individuals can e-file their federal returns at no cost, no matter their income. If your adjusted gross income was $57,000 or less in 2011, you can prepare and e-file without charge by going to http://www.irs.gov/freefile and selecting a tax software vendor. If your AGI was higher, you can go to http://www.freefilefillableforms.com and e-file free.
Although these program performs math calculations, it does not ask questions to determine which forms you need to file, unlike the typical tax software program.
This is amusing to me. Last year I got a call from a guy i knew from a networking group. He was trying to use this to prepare his return, since he was too cheap to hire me a client of his. But, he ran into difficulties and was looking for me to tell him what he was doing wrong. Now I did not state the obvious, like preparing your own taxes when you are running a small business i never a good idea. But, I had to explain I could not help him since I did not know their program. But I knew mine pretty well especially since it costs me a great deal every year.
I had to tell him to call the IRS for help…I wonder if he is still on hold? Remember time is money as well.