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.

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.

Tab browsing is the easiest way to view and open the links. Simply right click on the link and select "open a new tab.". This will open the web page in a separate tab while keeping this page open. It's a great way to view multiple sites at once.

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

1040 NOW
AGI requirements: $5,000 to $57,000
Residency Requirements: No
Age Requirement: 65 or under
State e-file: $23.95

efile Tax Returns
AGI requirements: $57,000 or less
Residency Requirements: No
Age Requirement: 65 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 Arkansas, Georgia, Iowa, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina & Virginia, Other states $12.95

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

File Your Taxes
AGI requirements: between $9,000 and $57,000
Residency Requirements: No
Age requirement: between 16 and 69
State e-file: $35.50

Free 1040 Tax Return
AGI requirements: $57,000 or less
Age requirement: 71 or younger
Residency Requirements: Yes, Excludes Residence of FL NH NV SD TN WA
State e-file: $14.95 for the following states AL CA CO GA IL KS OH

Free Tax USA
AGI requirements: $57,000 or less
Residency Requirements: No
Age Requirement: between 23 and 65
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 or Free for the following states AR AZ DE GA IA ID IN KY MI MN MO MS ND NC NY OK OR RI SC VA VT WV DC

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: $51,000 or less
Age requirement: 18 - 55\7 years old
Residency Requirements: No
State e-file: $14.95

Tax Simple
AGI requirements: $57,000 or less
Age requirement: 60 or younger
Residency Requirements: Yes, Excludes residence of AK FL NH SD TN TX WA WY
State e-file or print: $24.95

Tax Slayer
AGI requirements: $30,000 or less
Age requirement: No
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

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