LPT: If your AGI less than $62k you may get access to free tax filing software.

The IRS's Free Fileprogram allows those with adjusted gross incomes under $62k to use the Free File software for their federal taxes for no charge in a partnership with the Free File Alliance. Many states also partner with the FFA to offer free state tax returns to those that qualify, and some states offer free e-filing for all taxpayers. Tax return processing will begin January 19, 2016.

(Note: Every taxpayer regardless of income can file for free if you want to fill out the tax forms by hand. The free service being provided here is the software back end that does the calculations for you. Tax returns prepared electronically are generally more accurate than those filled out by hand, reducing processing time and the potential for penalties that result from errors in your filing.)

What can you do in January to prepare for tax season?

• Finish up any IRA contributions for 2015 (you have until April 15, 2016 to make 2015 IRA contributions).
• Look up the schedules your various financial institutions are planning on issuing your documentation (1099s, etc) so you can watch for them. Ask your employer when you will receive your W-2.
• If you are considering professional tax preparation and haven't done so before (or are switching preparers), now is the time to be asking around to find a tax preparer. If you have an established relationship, it's always nice to reach out to say you will/will not be going with the same person again.
  
  
  Texas - No state income tax.
  
  
  Additionally, there are programs to have your taxes prepared by someone else for free. I "worked" for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) in college. The IRS says you qualify if your income is under $54k, but in my own experience, as long as your return is simple, the dollar amounts don't really matter. But the guy in charge of our site was pretty lenient.
  They have locations listed on the IRS website.
  https://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Free-Tax-Return-Preparation-for-You-by-Volunteers
  
  
  VITA is definitely a great option for many. Your local university accounting group, AARP, or various social service nonprofits are probably your local VITA location, if you have one in your area.
  All VITA sites are different - some require appointments, others have walk in hours, some do a bit of both. The IRS search lets you know and gives you their contact information to reach out directly.
  
  
  Just an FYI, sometimes it's easier to search google to see if there's a VITA in your area. The IRS search only attaches to the main address of a program and some programs have multiple locations.

  
  

  
  

  The things to put in come off that little piece of paper your employer sends you at the beginning of the year. It takes me 10 minutes to file, 20 minutes if I read the instructions as I go, which I don't.

  
  

  REDDIT 

  
  

  Thanks for posting this. Also remember: avoid major tax filing companies. They are mostly likely a scam to steal your money. I'm a current employee of JH and can tell you very plainly, the business model of this organization is simply to steal from the EITC of poor people.

  I can't speak for H&R Block or Liberty Tax, but if you come into JH your fee for half hour of time will come to between $300-500

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