Even if you’re expecting a tax refund, this time of year can be, well, taxing on your wallet when it comes to paying for tax preparation services. The good news is that, if you qualify, you can get FREE help filing your return and not spend a dime. Here are some online and in-person programs to investigate:
Source: Depositphotos
Free File
Taxpayers have a fast, safe and FREE option when it comes to preparing their own federal taxes. Free File offers brand-name online tax-preparation software to individuals or families who earned who earned $84,000 or less in 2024. (That’s about 70% of taxpayers.)
Those who earned more can still use the FREE online fillable forms (but not the software). Both options allow you to file returns electronically and use direct deposit, the fastest way to get refunds.
FreeFile does the hard work for you. The software asks questions and you provide the answers. It picks the right forms, does the math and helps you find all the tax benefits for which you are eligible.
If you are nervous about doing your own taxes, there are other FREE options.
Tax Help Colorado
Offers assistance at community colleges, universities, high schools, child care centers and housing authorities. Hours and days vary by location. You can find a free tax site here.
Denver Asset Building Coalition (DABC)
Helps low- and moderate-income wage earners with FREE federal and state income tax preparation. DABC operates Tax Supersites in Denver, Aurora, Lakewood, Edgewater and Arvada. You’ll find a complete list of DABC Free Tax SuperSites here.
Services are available on a walk-in basis. Families making less than $70,000 or single filers making less than $55,000 in total income are eligible. Wait times are usually less than 30 minutes.
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program
Offers FREE tax preparation assistance for low-income taxpayers — especially those 60 and older. Membership is not required and all ages may use this service.
Colorado has more than 50 Tax-Aide sites, including senior centers, libraries and other convenient locations. You can locate an AARP Foundation Tax-Aide site by visiting www.aarp.org/findtaxhelp or call (toll free) 1-888-687-2277.
You can search for sites nearest to your home or work. Do read each listing carefully as some sites operate only on certain days and/or require appointments. Others welcome walk-ins.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA)
This is a service for families earning $57,000 or less. IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation and can inform taxpayers about special tax credits for which they may qualify such as Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, and Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled.
VITA sites are generally located at community centers, libraries, schools, shopping malls, and other convenient locations. Find a VITA site here.
Find more free tax sites by visiting 211colorado.org/tax-assistance or by calling 2-1-1.
Documents to bring:
If you are using any of these services, here’s a list of documents you may need to bring.
If none of these options works for you and your decide to DIY your tax returns, here are some discounts on software and other supplies that can help.
At the time of this post, all of the below items are discounted by 20% to 45%, but prices change rapidly and promotions can end suddenly on Amazon, so the prices might be different when you see this.
![TurboTax Deluxe 2024 Tax Software, Federal & State Tax Return [PC/MAC Download]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41by2O4Eq5L._SL160_.jpg)
- Recommended if you own a home, have charitable donations, high medical expenses and need to file both Federal & State Tax Returns
- Includes 5 Federal e-files and 1 State via download. State e-file sold separately. Get U.S.-based technical support (hours may vary).
- NEW. Live Tax Advice: Connect with a tax expert and get one-on-one advice and answers as you prepare your return (fee applies)
![H&R Block Tax Software Deluxe + State 2024 with Refund Bonus Offer (Amazon Exclusive) Win/Mac [PC/Mac Online Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41nJ2GPCPjL._SL160_.jpg)
- Choose to put your refund on an Amazon gift card and you can get a 2% bonus. See below for details
- Quickly import your W-2, 1099, 1098, and last year's personal tax return, even from TurboTax and Quicken Software
- One state program download included— a $39.95 value
- All-In-One Monthly Organizer: Keep all your important documents in one place with Sooez Accordion File Organizer. 12 pockets design works great for Monthly organizing and protecting all your important paperwork, bills, taxes, receipts, invoices and more. Perfect for letter size.
- Expandable Capacity: The accordion file folder can be stretched up to 12 inches. 12 pockets allow you to store more than 2000 sheets. No matter how many documents you need to store, this folder can accommodate your needs as it can be easily expanded according to your requirements.
- Efficient Organization & Easy Lookup: To enhance your file organization, we provide blank labels along with this folder. You can personalize them to suit your requirements, such as labeling sections by month for effortless file retrieval.
- [LARGE DISPLAY] - The huge LCD screen that clearly displays big numbers makes it easy to read from afar, and it’s aesthetically pleasing.
- [SENSITIVE AND BIG BUTTONS] - Your calculation process will be faster and smoother with this calculator’s responsive buttons. Once pressed, the buttons quickly register and display the corresponding number on the screen. The big size of the buttons prevents you from hitting the wrong button.
- [DUAL POWER DESIGN] - This calculator utilizes both the solar power and battery power (battery included). The solar panel, as long as you use it in a lit environment, will power up the calculator thoroughly.
- Mr. Pen Highlighter Pack Includes 12 Pastel Color Highlighters In Assorted Colors
- Multi-Purpose Chisel Tip Highlighters, Great For Highlighting, Underlining Or Writing Notes
- Quick Dry, Odorless And Non-Toxic Ink Highlighters
Last update on 2025-04-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API