Avoid Tax Filing Headaches and Errors When You Use These Free Web Tools

March 9, 2010— -- Doing your taxes is tedious, but new Web tools can help make the process easier and more accurate.

Free online filing tools are provided for those who qualify by H&R Block, TaxAct, and TurboTax. These companies offer online filing for basic federal tax returns. That means no forms, no mailing; it's all done via computer. And submission is faster than mail and it's easier to track your return status. The IRS has a list of all the companies that offer this service and the restrictions about who is eligible.

Click HERE for the IRS ' list and other information.

The IRS allows you to file certain forms for free on its Web site, but it's for people who don't need context or prompts about what each form requires. Another consideration, filing is limited on the irs.gov site to people with $57,000 or less in adjusted gross income or who meet other criteria concerning military service or tax status.

Click HERE for information on how you can file free with the IRS.

According to Intuit, the maker of TurboTax, 20 states have created free filing programs based upon the federal Free File Alliance model: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont and West Virginia.

If you live in one of the above states and qualify to file a free state tax return (income limits or active military duty) you can file your state return for free.

Click HERE to file your state tax return for free.