July 15 is the deadline to file your taxes, but what if you haven't done so yet? Well, you still have time! Let's talk cost.
According to DealNews and the National Society of Accountants, the tax preparation national fee is $273. Their experts add that here in Arizona, it's four percent less, making the average around $263.
Now, DealNews also put together a giant play-by-play of how to tackle taxes on your own. For DIYers and those who made less than $69,000 in 2019, there are free tax software programs you can check out.
But first, click here and look at the chart from DealNews. Do you see how the federal column might say "free", but the state column may have a fee associated with it?
It's important to keep in mind that there are different versions of software and certain qualifications that need to be met to score free filing.
For example, check out Online Taxes at OLT.com. According to the explanation on the DealNews site, if you're adjusted gross income is between $14,000 and $69,000 or you're active-duty military with $69,000 or less, you can get FREE federal and state filing, open to all ages in all states. However, if you don't qualify, filing your federal return is free, but filing your state return will cost $9.95. And that's the lowest price on their list.
Look into ezTaxReturn.com, FreeTaxUSA and TurboTax. DealNews actually explains 10 options total in great detail. Click here for that great resource.
What if your AGI was higher than $69,000 in 2019? Well, DealNews offers two suggestions.
Here's a popular option. Check out FREE tax prep from Credit Karma. State and federal returns can be filed for free, and there's no maximum income amount that prevents qualification either. Click here, and scroll down to the bottom to learn more about the two options DealNews recommends.
Here is another in-depth look at what DealNews is calling the best tax software for 2020.
Good luck!