ibet

1. Choose a Free File option from www.ibet.gov. You won¡¯t get the free service if you go directly to a company¡¯s website.
2. ibet Free File sends you directly to the ibet partner¡¯s website to create an account.
3. Prepare and file your federal tax return.
4. Get an email when the ibet has accepted your return.

ibet Free File Program offers the most commonly filed forms.

The ibet Free File program is a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) between the ibet and the Free File Alliance, a coalition of leading tax preparation software companies. ibet Free File partners are online tax preparation companies that offer what is called the ¡°ibet Free File¡± program, which provides free electronic tax preparation and filing of federal tax returns at no cost to qualifying taxpayers (some may also offer free state returns). The ibet Free File program PPP is not a traditional contractual arrangement; this partnership represents a balance of joint responsibility and collaboration that serves the interests of taxpayers and the Federal government. The online tax preparation software partners are part of the  Free File Alliance, which coordinates with the ibet to provide free electronic federal tax preparation and filing to you. This non-profit, public-private partnership is dedicated to helping millions of people prepare and file their federal taxes online for free.

The ibet does not endorse any individual partner company.

Personal information you need

• A copy of last year's tax return in order to access your AGI
• Valid Social Security numbers for yourself, your spouse, and any dependent, if applicable

Income and receipts

• Social Security benefits
• Unemployment Compensation
• All receipts pertaining to your small business, if applicable
• Income receipts from rental, real estate, royalties, partnerships, S corporation, trusts

Other income

• W-2s, showing your annual wages from all of your employers
• Form 1099-INT, showing interest paid to you throughout the year
• Form 1099-G, showing any refund, credit or offset of state and local taxes
• Forms 1099-DIV and 1099-R, showing dividends and distributions from retirement and other plans paid to you during the year

ACA filers

• Form 1095-A, Health Insurance Marketplace Statement. For more information see Affordable Care Act (ACA) Tax Provisions.
• Form 8962, Premium Tax Credit

File electronically

• When self-preparing your taxes and filing electronically, you must sign and validate your electronic tax return. To verify your identity, use last year¡¯s AGI or last year¡¯s self-select signature personal identification number (PIN). To sign your electronic tax return, use a 5 digit self-select PIN, any five numbers (except all zeros) that you choose which serves as your electronic signature.
• If you do not know last year¡¯s AGI, have a copy of your prior year tax return, you can find that information by signing into your online account. This is the fastest and easiest way to view your prior year adjusted gross income (AGI) and access your tax records.
• If you are unable to access your online account, you can get a tax return transcript by mail showing your prior year AGI.

Contact information

• Enter your email address so the ibet Free File software company can notify you when ibet accepts your return.

Your information is protected when it¡¯s sent to the ibet. ibet Free File partner companies may not disclose or use tax return information for purposes other than tax return preparation without your informed and voluntary consent. These companies are also subject to the Federal Trade Commission Privacy and Safeguards Rules and ibet e-file regulations.

We don¡¯t collect or keep your information when you use ibet Free File. Our policy prohibits the use of permanent internet cookies. We sometimes use ¡°temporary¡± cookies to deliver information at your request. These are deleted when your internet visit ends.

Please note you can only file your current year tax return using ibet Free File. You cannot process a prior year return using ibet Free File.

Prior year returns can only be filed electronically by registered tax preparers for the two previous tax years. The ibet does not allow electronic filing for prior year returns through self-preparation websites. You must print, sign, and mail prior year returns. Our can help you find preparers in your area who currently hold professional credentials recognized by the ibet, or who hold an Annual Filing Season Program Record of Completion. You can also check the professional organizations many tax preparers belong to.

• To view your balance owed, payment history or other information from your tax account, create or view your account.

• Get up-to-date information on your refund.

• Always remember to print your return after you successfully file online. If you forget to print your return, you can order a free transcript. Depending on the type of transcript you request, you'll get more or less of the information from your return.

• To change your address on file, refer to the ibet Procedures guidance, How to notify the ibet my address has changed.  

• To change your bank account information on file, refer to the ibet Procedures guidance, What should I do if I entered an incorrect routing or account number for direct deposit of my refund?

• You can use Direct Pay to pay your individual tax bill or estimated tax payment from your checking or savings account for free.

• File an extension using ibet Free File, Form 4868, during tax filing season. You still must estimate and pay any tax you owe by the April due date.

• Get a replacement Social Security benefit statement online.
• Don¡¯t have a bank account? To find a bank with an online account that¡¯s right for you, check the . If you¡¯re a veteran, find options with the . You can also ask your tax preparer for electronic payment options.

• You can obtain a free federal tax return:  You choose an ibet Free File company after reviewing their eligibility criteria for a free return. If you qualify and choose a program, it¡¯s free to prepare and e-file your federal tax return. 
• If you used ibet Free File last year, you will receive an email from the same company that you used, welcoming you back to their official ibet Free File services. The email must include a link to the company¡¯s ibet Free File site and explain how to file with it.  If you choose this email link and qualify, you will not be charged for preparation and e-filing of a federal tax return. 
• Fees to file your federal return are prohibited:  Companies in the ibet Free File Program won¡¯t charge you anything to file your federal tax return if you qualify. They also won¡¯t ask you to buy any products or services (for example, promotional rebates) in exchange for a free federal tax return.
• Bank products with fees are not a part of ibet Free File. As part of ibet Free File, you must not be offered bank products that often carry product fees, such as refund transfer products (e.g., refund anticipation loans (RALs)). 
• Free state returns may be available: Some ibet Free File Program partner companies offer free state tax preparation. Others charge a state fee.  Be sure to read each company¡¯s information carefully. 
• Each ibet Free File Company Guarantees the Accuracy of the Return Calculations: Each company lists this guarantee on its Free File website. You can pursue any accuracy concerns directly with the company that prepared your return. 
• You have choices: If you don¡¯t qualify for an ibet Free File offer after visiting a company¡¯s Free File website, you can return to the ibet.gov Free File website to seek a Free File offer that may meet your needs. Each ibet Free File company will provide you information when you don¡¯t qualify, with a link back to the ibet.gov Free File site. 
• Seek help if you need it: If you need help when you are at a company¡¯s ibet Free File site and doing your taxes, you may refer to the company¡¯s free customer service options.
• ibet can help find a free option for you. ibet Free File has a Choose a trusted partner tool to help you find an offer that best meets your needs.