They also began 'free file' Jan 16...This allows taxpayers with adjusted gross income of $52000 or less to e-file their federal tax returns for free...

No, I'm not a spokesman or anything like that...just an ordinary citizen who likes to save money...I've done it since 2003...more info on irs.gov...

Hoope I'm not stepping out of bounds here...

juanital

I see it will be much easier to just go with the standard amount.

What is the standard amount?

Individual taxpayers can take a standard amount from $30 to $60 based on the number of exemptions claimed on their tax return. For those claiming:

* one exemption, the standard refund amount is $30
* two exemptions, the standard refund amount is $40
* three exemptions, the standard refund amount is $50
* four exemptions or more, the standard refund amount is $60

And "no" you certainly aren't stepping out of bounds here...your post is most appropriate for the forum...and could/should maybe be shared on the Money Saving Tips Forum as well.

Thanks for posting.

Sue

At your library you can pick up "Your Federal Income Tax:Publication 17" It's your instructions for use in preparing returns...you must also pick the actual forms that you file)...They also have other instruction pamphlets and forms that you may use on your return...I picked them up today...I like to do a paper form (reason being to just get practice and catch-up whats new)...then efile thru the IRS free file...I use HR's Tax Cut...Some of the programs who are offering their service thru free file will do a state return for a fee, which you are not obligated to do so...In many states you can file on line free, thru their own state's website....Ohio is one of them...where I'm from...

juanital