Free Account vs. Standard Account

VAer
VAer Member Posts: 1 Newcomer
in General

I am currently not qualified for a free account, but I will be eligible for one when I retire. I’m wondering if it’s possible to switch my existing Standard Account to a Free Account using the same email address, or if I would need to create a completely separate Free Account.

It would be helpful if the system allowed switching account types while preserving data from previous years under one email address.

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Answers

  • kiarab
    kiarab FreeTaxUSA Agent Posts: 285 image
    Hello VAer,

    Are you referring to the IRS's Free File program that we are a part of? As of right now, the only way to get the Free File account is to create a new one (make sure you are on the Free File site first though, it should be in the URL).

    You should be able to create another account using the same e-mail address, just a different username. Before you make the switch, I would recommend that you download copies of your prior year returns for your personal records.
  • lp27
    lp27 Member Posts: 17 Level 3

    Hello. I'm not sure how to handle this situation.

    Based on my likely AGI before making retirement contributions I would not qualify for Free File with FreeTaxUSA. But depending on how much I end up contributing to deductible accounts, it may lower my AGI to where I do qualify (meaning below $51,000 I believe). But I need to do the rest of my taxes first in order to help me decide how much I want to contribute to which accounts.

    So what type of Free Tax USA account should I use? Free File or Standard?

    If I click through from the IRS site through Free File and then my AGI ends up too high to qualify, can I still use that account to file and just pay for the state filing via that account? Or in that case will it force me to switch to a standard account and re-enter everything?

    I'm hoping there is a way to sign in with one account, do my taxes, and be able to file free if the AGI ends up below $51,000 and pay for the state return if it ends up above $51,000.

  • RyanV
    RyanV FreeTaxUSA Admin Posts: 67 image

    Hi @lp27

    You can begin with a Free File account if you feel there is a chance you may meet the income requirements. If you exceed the income limit the software will prompt you with a few options-

    1. To return to the Free File website and checkout other Free File options
    2. Continue with your same account, receive a Free Federal return, State returns will be $15.99 at checkout
    3. Convert your Free File Account to a standard account. Federal return is Free, State is $15.99$. You'll have the option to purchase Deluxe or Pro support if desired.
  • jan1
    jan1 Member Posts: 1 Newcomer
    https://community.freetaxusa.com/discussion/comment/6661#Comment_6661

    and what if you didn't realize and created a standard account, inputted all your info and now you're being hit with a fee for filing the state return? is there a way to convert from standard to freefile without having to reinput all the info?

  • KristineS
    KristineS FreeTaxUSA Agent Posts: 296 image
    https://community.freetaxusa.com/discussion/comment/8368#Comment_8368

    Hi jan1,

    Our software platform does not allow you to convert from the Free File Alliance platform to the FreeTaxUSA platform or vice versa. You may choose to leave your tax return incomplete in FreeTaxUSA and file through the Alliance program, which may or may not still be available since the main filing season ended.

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