Instructions

• 1). Visit the IRS website, irs.gov, and locate the "Free File" information page. According to the IRS, 70 percent are eligible to use free preparation software. The website will assist in choosing the appropriate system for your needs.
  
  
• 2). Locate a copy of your previous year's tax return. Certain information from that return is required for the electronic signature. If you have electronically filed in the past, you may have a "Personal Identification Number" instead. If you don't have last year's return or a PIN, you will need your name, birth date and social security number to apply for a PIN through the IRS website.
  
  
• 3). Enter tax information, following the on-screen instructions for the specific software.
  
  
• 4). Choose your payment or refund options according to the software instructions.
  
  
• 5). File the return electronically following the specific software instructions. You will need your "electronic signature" information before transmitting the return.