Death and taxes are often spoken of in the same breath, maybe it's because they both inspire feelings of dread. There is no need to worry. Unlike the "good old days" you no longer have to struggle through all of the calculations alone. If you have a straight forward return and meet certain requirements you can e-file your federal tax return for free online.

Before you opt for an online service, remember to double check the requirements for free file. If you don’t qualify you will be charged a fee. Most sites charge extra for state returns and they don't always offer tax preparation for every state.

Make sure you have the necessary documents before you start. This will save you time and help you determine if you qualify for the free file. If your documents haven't arrived by February 1, then give your employer or financial institution a call.

April 15 falls on a Sunday in 2012 and April 16 is a Emancipation Day which is a recognized holiday in the District of Columbia, so federal taxes will not be due until April 17.

The e-file service may be free, but you are still a client and the companies will be processing your personal information. These services will likely retain a copy of your return for their records. Read the privacy policies for each site.

The links for all of the following sites are at the bottom of this article.

1040
AGI requirements: $57,000 or less
Residency Requirements: No
Age Requirement 52 or under
State e-file $29.95

1040 NOW
AGI requirements: $57,000 or less
Residency Requirements: No
Age Requirement: 72 or under
State e-file: $17.95

eSmart
AGI requirements: $57,000 or less
State Residency Requirements: No
Age Requirement: 52 or younger
State e-file: Free for Georgia, Iowa, Michigan & Virginia, Other states $9.95

EZ Tax Return
AGI requirements: $57,000 or less
Age requirement: No
Residency Requirements: AL AR AZ CA CO GA IL IN LA MA MD MI MS NC NJ NY OH PA VA, WI
State e-file: $19.95

File Your Taxes
AGI requirements: between $11,500 and $51,000
Residency Requirements: No
State e-file: $23.50

Free 1040 Tax Return
AGI requirements: $42,000 or less
Age requirement: No
Residency Requirements: Yes, Excludes Residence of HI KS ME MT ND RI WI
State e-file: $9.95 for the following states AL AZ CA CO GA IA IL IN KS KY MS NJ NY OH OK OR VA

Free Tax USA
AGI requirements: $57,000 or less
Residency Requirements: No
Age Requirement: between 23 and 64
State e-file: $9.95

H & R Block
AGI requirements: $57,000 or less
Residency Requirements: No
Age Requirement: 52 or younger
States e-file: $9.95

Online Tax Pros
AGI requirements: between $4,000 to $57,000
Residency Requirements: Yes, Excludes AK DC FL NH NV SD TN TX WA WY
State e-file: $14.95

Online Taxes
AGI requirements:Between $12,050 and $57,000 or less
Age requirement: No
Residency Requirements: No
State e-file: $7.95

Tax Act
AGI requirements: $57,000 or less
Age requirement: 19 - 55 years old
Residency Requirements: No
State e-file: $14.95

Tax Simple
AGI requirements: $57,000 or less
Age requirement: 70 or younger
Residency Requirements: Yes, Excludes residence of AK FL NV SD TN TX WA WY
State e-file or print: $24.95

Tax Slayer
AGI requirements: $57,000 or less
Age requirement: Under 25 or Active Duty Military of any age
Residency Requirements: No
State e-file: Free if you qualify for Federal Free File or $4.95

Turbo Tax
AGI requirements: $31,000 or less, OR Active Military with income of $57,000 or less
State e-file: The site promotes free state e-filing for AL AR AZ GA IA ID IN KY MI MN MO MS NY NC ND OK OR RI SC VA VT WV - other states $14.95

Yes I Can Free File
AGI requirements: $29,000 or less
Age requirement: No
Residency Requirements: No
State e-file: Free for residents of CA MI MT NY PA

1040
1040 NOW
eSmart
EZ Tax Return
File Your Taxes
Free 1040 Tax Return
Free Tax USA
H & R Block
Online Tax Pros
Online Taxes
Tax Act
Tax Simple
Tax Slayer
Turbo Tax
Yes I Can e-File

If you need additional forms, information or instructions relating to tax issues go to IRS.gov