Announcement: The Bursar Office is available to assist you, although the office is closed and we are working remotely to slow the spread of COVID-19.
IRS Free File is a free online software program available on IRS.gov that taxpayers can use to prepare and file federal individual income tax returns for free using tax-preparation-and-filing software.
IRS Free File has two options: 1) Free File Software, and 2) Free File Fillable Forms. Use Free File Software if your income is $72,000 or less and Free File Fillable Forms if your income is greater than $72,000.
Please note that nonresident aliens for tax purposes cannot use IRS Free File Software or Free File Fillable Forms. Please go to the International Center’s Tax website for information about how to file a federal individual income tax return as a nonresident alien for tax purposes.
Free File Software (Income $72,000 and below):
Free File features brand-name tax software providers who are in a partnership with the IRS to offer their online products for free. Each provider sets additional eligibility requirements, generally based on age, state residency and income.
Here’s how Free File works:
Free File Fillable Forms (Income above $72,000):
If your income is more than $72,000, you can use Free File Fillable Forms, a free forms-based tool enabling you to select your income tax forms, enter your tax information, print and e-file your federal income tax return. Free File Fillable Forms is best for those taxpayers experienced in preparing returns by hand and with limited assistance. If you’re not comfortable completing a paper return by hand, without software to guide you, you should consider another method of filing your income tax return. To access Free File Fillable Forms, please go to the IRS’s Fillable Forms website.
Please note UT Dallas and the IRS do not endorse any individual Free File company or retain any taxpayer information entered on the Free File site. UT Dallas cannot provide individual tax filing advice, and recommends consulting with a tax professional for specific tax questions and assistance.
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax help to people who generally make $58,000 or less, persons with disabilities, and limited English speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their own income tax returns. IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals.
Although all physical VITA sites are closed until further notice, the 2020 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program continues to be offered through two alternative ways: Virtual VITA and VITA2Go.
Virtual VITA is best for individuals who have access to a computer. You upload all tax documents into a secure server and certified VITA tax preparers will complete your tax return.
VITA2Go drive-thru drop off option will be available at select locations. This option is best for individuals who do not have access to a computer to upload their own documents. You bring your tax documents along with your pictured ID and social security card to a VITA2Go location, where they will be uploaded to a secure server and your tax return will be prepared virtually by certified VITA tax preparers. It is designed to keep contact at a minimum to ensure the safety of VITA staff and tax clients.
In each instance, you will be scheduled and receive a video call to quality review your tax return before you can sign the consent to e-file your return.
UT Dallas is not sponsoring this service. All questions specifically regarding the VITA program or the tax preparation services provided should be directed to 214-370-9353 or visit the Foundation Communities’ website.
What to Bring
The following items are needed in order for VITA volunteers to prepare your tax return. Please take a moment to browse through the list and make sure that you gather all the necessary paperwork before you come. This is a general list; so if you have any other paperwork that you think is pertinent, please bring them with you to the VITA center.
Required items:
Items listed in bold are required.
Nice to have items:
Additional Resources:
To view pdf files, you may have to download Adobe Acrobat Reader.