5 Free Sources to Get Your Tax Returns in Shape

It is that time of year again to start planning your tax returns. With 2010 being one of the hardest years on record for the US economy, we could all use some help in getting our tax returns in shape to optimize our rebates, deductions and exemptions. These sources are sure to maximize your 2010 tax returns for free without the "sweat". Relief is in sight when it comes to filling your tax returns with ease.

Last year, nearly 100 million taxpayers opted for the safest, fastest and easiest way to submit their tax returns. According to IRS.gov, since 1990, taxpayers have e-filed almost 1 billion tax returns safely and securely. E-file is now the normal way to file tax returns. And now, with free e-file tax preparation websites and locations, everyone can file for free! Now that is a "tax break".

Are you ready? Begin by "stretching" out for those W-2s, unemployment benefits, retirement, disability, survivor's benefits, and other tax documents that apply to your situation. Now that you are "warmed up", here are the five sources to get your taxes fit for free.

1. IRS.gov-If your income is $58,000 or less, let Free File brand-name software do the "work out" for you with free tax preparation and free e-filing. It's available only through IRS.gov, where you can find 20 tax software companies who make their products available for free. Some also support state tax returns for free.

2. TurboTax.com-Offers free e-filing for your Federal Tax returns. If you wish to file your state returns they charge $27.95. TurboTax will e-file 1040EZ, 1040A, and 1040 federal income tax forms. Need your tax returns on the run, Turbo Tax just introduced the first ever iPhone and Android applications to file federal tax returns for people making less than $100,000 a year @ http://turbotax.intuit.com/snaptax/mobile/

3. TaxAct.com-Handles simple along with complex tax returns They support 1040, 1040A, & 1040EZ, and includes all e-file IRS forms to handle all filing statuses and life situations. Federal tax filing is free and State tax returns will cost $14.95.

4. Vita-Volunteers.org-VITA program
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program, or VITA, brings free, live tax preparation and e-filing assistance to low-income households. If your household income is below $49,000, you qualify for assistance. You can find VITA centers at libraries, colleges, community centers, religious centers and other neighborhood sites. To find a location near you, call 1-800-906-9887.

The armed forces is another version of VITA is called AFTC, for Armed Forces Tax Council. You will have volunteers and experts who know the special credits, deductions and exclusions available to members of all branches of the armed forces, and their families. They will understand the state income tax exclusions, as well.

If you are a tax expert both the VITA and TCE programs are still accepting volunteers.

5. AARP.org-TCE program
Tax Counseling for the Elderly, or TCE: They provide tax return assistance for those age 60 and above. TCE volunteers understand issues related to retirement income, Social Security, IRAs, etc. They may be able to provide counseling on other financial issues as well, since many of the volunteers and staff are in the same position as you. AARP's Tax-Aide is one of the largest TCE programs in the country. You can call the IRS for a TCE location, at 1-800-829-1040.

Get your taxes in shape early this year and enjoy the "cool down" when it is over.