Free Account vs. Standard Account

Question

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.

RyanV · Answer

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-

* To return to the Free File website and checkout other Free File options
* Continue with your same account, receive a Free Federal return, State returns will be $15.99 at checkout
* 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.

lp27 · Answer

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.

kiarab · Answer

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.