2021 Taxes: Don't pay for tax software if your return is a relatively simple one

[Editor]

If you return is relatively simple there is no need to dole out money for tax filing software. There are several free alternatives available from the same big companies that would otherwise charge you a hefty fee. This page at Nerdwallet lays it out with links:

IRS Free File: What It Is, How It Works - NerdWallet

The IRS Free File program helps certain taxpayers to file their taxes using commercial tax software for free. Learn more about how it works and who qualifies.

www.nerdwallet.com

Or, just do a Google search to do your own research:

2021 free tax software - Google Search

But, why do they offer free software? Is it some kind of gimmick?

No gimmick. They did it to save their butts when the IRS was going to offer free tax filing software for everyone. Real journalists at Propublica report:

TurboTax maker Intuit, the largest company in the tax-preparation software industry, announced Thursday that it will leave the Free File program, the public-private partnership that offers free tax filing to millions of Americans but has been a magnet for controversy since its creation two decades ago.

The program was founded as a gambit by the tax prep industry, led by Intuit, after the George W. Bush administration proposed that the IRS create a free online filing option for taxpayers. Such an option would have threatened the profits of the burgeoning tax prep software business. After lobbying by the companies, the IRS agreed not to develop its own filing portal. In exchange, the industry offered free versions of its software, including TurboTax, to most Americans.

TurboTax-Maker Intuit Will Leave Free Tax Filing Partnership With IRS

The company’s decision throws the future of the Free File program, which was created as an alternative to an IRS free tax filing system, into doubt.

www.propublica.org

Want to know more? Read about just one more way that big corporations use the money and power that you give them to try and screw you in return:

Inside TurboTax’s 20-Year Fight to Stop Americans From Filing Their Taxes for Free

Using lobbying, the revolving door and “dark pattern” customer tricks, Intuit fended off the government’s attempts to make tax filing free and easy, and created its multi-billion-dollar franchise.

www.propublica.org