11 ways Michiganders can file their taxes for free

Tax season is upon us once again, but these programs and services can help you file your taxes for free. 

March and April mark the time in many Michiganders’ lives when we start feeling our spirits lift with the hope of spring just around the corner. But these months also usher in a time that many of us dread: taxes.

Tax season can be a soul-sucker, but fortunately, there are free resources available in Michigan and virtually online that can help you file your taxes for free. These free resources are recommended by Michigan.gov, but be sure to verify the information at each site before using it to file your taxes. Always consult a tax expert for any specific information and recommendations for your unique circumstances. 

1. Free File Alliance 

The Free File Alliance is not Michigan-specific, but any Michigan resident who qualifies can use it. The Free File Alliance is a nonprofit organization of the following tax software companies that have partnered with the IRS to offer free electronic tax services:

• 1040NOW Corp.
• ezTaxReturn.com
• Drake
• FileYourTaxes
• OnLine Taxes
• TaxACT
• TaxHawk
• TaxSlayer

2. IRS Free File

IRS Free File is endorsed directly by the IRS and has two options: 

• Guided tax software for people with an adjusted gross income of $84,000 or less: This software guides you through filling out and filing your taxes. There is also free state tax prep and filing, along with Spanish options. 
• Free tax fillable forms. If you make over $84,000 a year, you can use the IRS’s free fillable tax forms to help you prepare to file your taxes. However, there is no software guidance for this option. 

3. 1040NOW

As one of the partnering tax organizations with the Free File Alliance, 1040Now offers free federal and Michigan state tax prep and e-filing for individuals who:

• Have an adjusted gross income of $32,000 or less
• Live in Michigan

The free service is also limited to three free returns per computer. You can use 1040Now to file your state taxes even if you’ve already filed federal. And if you make more than the qualifying limit, the prices are reasonable, with a charge of only $20 for a federal tax return and $18 for a state. 

4. FreeTaxUSA® Free File Edition

Similarly, FreeTax USA allows state and federal, along with city of Detroit tax prep and e-filing for Michigan residents who:

• Have an annual gross adjusted income (AGI) of $48,000 or less OR
• Were Active Duty Military in 2024 with an adjusted gross income of $84,000 or less.

5. IRS Free File Program Delivered by 1040.com®

This IRS Free File program lets participants file both Federal and state (including City of Detroit) taxes if they:

• Have an adjusted Gross Income between $17,100 and $84,000 regardless of age, or 
• Are Active Duty Military with AGI of $84,000 or less.

6. Online Taxes at OLT.com

Michigan residents can file their federal and state tax forms through OLT.com if they:

• Have an AGI of $48,000 or less regardless of age or are
• Active Duty Military with AGI of $84,000 or less.

7. TaxSlayer

TaxSlayer provides Michigan residents with free tax form preparation and e-filing if they:

• Have an AGI of $48,000 or less, or
• Qualify for Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), or
• Are Active Duty Military with AGI of $84,000 or less.

8. Cash App Taxes

This service is not associated with the File Free Alliance, so it’s recommended that you verify all details and eligibility before using it. The service says it offers free federal and Michigan tax prep and filing for Michigan residents aged 18 and older. 

9. Intuit TurboTax

This version is also not associated with the File Free Alliance but offers free Federal and MI (including City of Detroit) tax preparation and e-filing for all Michigan workers who need to file taxes. 

10. VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) Program

VITA is run by volunteers, but those volunteers have been trained by the IRS to help certain qualifying individuals file their taxes. The volunteers are associated with non-profit organizations that receive grants from the IRS. Plus, the VITA operates in-person, which might be beneficial to some people who prefer in-person assistance. They also specialize in senior assistance and retirement information. 

VITA is available if you:

• Make $67,000 or less
• Have a disability
• Speak limited English

You can use the VITA locator tool to find an in-person volunteer site near you. 

11. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide

Similar to the VITA program, the AARP tax aide program uses volunteers certified through the IRS. Their service is pretty cool, however, because it offers a wide range of free tax help, ranging from full in-person filing to hybrid to virtual options. 

They even have a drop-off service that lets you drop off paperwork and forms or an option to allow someone to simply look over your documents for you to file. 

Bonus: Your Local Library

Last but not least, check with your local library for physical forms and in some cases, limited guidance on how to file your tax paperwork. Local libraries aren’t tax experts, of course, but many offer some basic guidance as well as public events and seminars with tax prep education. 

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.