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It's that time of year when many people think about getting their income tax returns filed, and once again there are several options for free preparation assistance and free software.

For those with uncomplicated returns, the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program stands out because it has no income limit for anyone in need of help.

Tax-Aide probably has locations near you, and it operates most of the federally sanctioned Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs. But it's not just for older taxpayers.

Tax-Aide volunteers can prepare your taxes in person or help you prepare them online.To find in-person hours and locations often in libraries, community centers and churches usethe site locator tool onlineat aarp.org or call 888-227-7669.

An Internal Revenue Service 2023 1040 tax form and instructions are shown on Friday, Jan. 26, 2024. For many people filing U.S. tax returns especially those doing it for their first time it can seem like a daunting task.

Free software is also available for filers with an adjusted gross income of $79,000 or less.

Like many assistance sites staffed by trained volunteers, Tax-Aide said it may not be able to help with complicated returns, such as those involving businesses or rental property income.

The IRSVolunteer Income Tax Assistance program has a higher income limit for help with 2023 returns, up $4,000 from last year. It offers free basic tax return preparation for people who generally make $64,000 or less and for people with disabilities or limited English-speaking skills.

To find locations in or near your ZIP code, use the search tool online atirs.treasury.gov/freetaxprepor call 800-906-9887.

Before going to a site for in-person assistance, check on what forms and documents you'll need to bring so that you and the volunteers don't end up frustrated. Tax-Aide and other providers have lists online, but if you've ever prepared a tax return, you probably know what's involved.

Just want free software to prepare your own taxes? If your household's adjusted gross income is $79,000 or less (line 11 on last year's return), the IRS Free File Online program offers filing technology from eight different companies.

Four of those vendors 1040.com, TaxSlayer, ezTaxReturn and OLT/OnLine Taxes also offer free state income tax returns for South Carolina for users who qualify for the free federal filing. Note when choosing a software option that some providers have lower income limits than the $79,000 IRS cap.

Access these offers directly through the IRS at apps.irs.gov/app/freeFile. Otherwise, you could end up on the wrong website and be charged for the same or similar products.

In South Carolina, SC Thrive and Trident United Way are working together to help with advice and online tax filing. The income limit is $79,000, the same as for free filing software through the IRS, but the groups also offer free help from trained tax counselors.

Reach SC Thrive at scthrive.orgor 800-726-8774.

In the Charleston region, in-person tax clinics are also available. Most of them are part of the VITA program mentioned earlier, and ways to find locations include calling theTrident United Wayhelp line at 2-1-1, texting 211211 or clicking on the VITA tab at SC211.org.

The 2024 tax season officially started Jan. 29, when the IRS began accepting what's expected to be nearly 129 million individual tax returns for income last year. The deadline to file is April 15.

This year, the IRS said there will be increased help on its toll-free number 800-829-1040 which was notorious for long waits previously. A customer callback feature, it is hoped, will reduce wait times.

The agency also is experimenting with a free way to directly file federal returns, but South Carolina is not among the dozen test states forDirect File.

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