Resources: Guides

A Step-by-Step Guide to Online Self-Filing

Learn how to file your taxes on your own through MyFreeTaxes.org using free, safe, accurate tax-filing software.
Updated 01/17/2025
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MyFreeTaxes.org Free Taxes Self-Filing Guide

 

Filing your taxes on your own can seem daunting, but it’s a great way to save money on paid tax preparer fees and gain a deeper understanding of your tax situation. It can be empowering to take control of this process and be able to file on the spot.

Through MyFreeTaxes.org, our self-filing option is completely free for current-year tax returns and does not have a maximum income limit. We connect users to one of two self-preparation software options (CashApp or TaxSlayer) based on their income. Best of all, we have accompanying step-by-step guides for both CashApp and TaxSlayer to help you navigate through the software from beginning to end.

 

 

To view the guides and read more information, click on the dropdown buttons below.

CashApp (through MyFreeTaxes.org)
  • Available year round
  • Can file with an SSN or ITIN (does not include ITIN renewals or new ITIN applications)
  • Current year tax return
  • Current year amendment
  • Available to tax filers regardless of income (if you make below $84,000 but prefer to be redirected to use CashApp instead of TaxSlayer, indicate that you make above $84,000 on our sign-up form; this will not impact your tax liability)
  • Available in English
    Supports the following filing statuses:

    • Single
    • Married filing jointly
    • Head of household
    • Qualifying widow/widower
TaxSlayer (through MyFreeTaxes.org)
  • Available from January 29 to October 15
  • Can file with an SSN or ITIN (does not include ITIN renewals or new ITIN applications)
  • Current year tax return
  • Current year amendment
  • Available to tax filers with an adjusted gross income at or below $84,000
  • Available in English and Spanish
  • Supports all filing statuses:
    • Single
    • Married filing separately
    • Married filing jointly
    • Head of household
    • Qualifying widow/widower

Please note: If you make above $84,000 but need to file married separately, we recommend using CalFile to file your state taxes. It is completely free!

MyFreeTaxes includes the same federal and state forms offered in most major tax filing platforms.

For users who are directed to CashApp, view the list of supported forms here. For users who are directed to TaxSlayer, view the list of supported forms here.

For users who use CashApp (no income criteria):

For users who are directed to TaxSlayer (earn below $84k):

  • TaxSlayer Self-Filing Guide (PDF)
  • Video Guides: Watch our step-by-step video tutorials below on how to use TaxSlayer.
    Please note that the video guides were created for tax filing year 2021 and should be used as reference only for future tax filing years.

    English    Spanish

    American Sign Language

    Thank you to our partners at John Burton Advocates for Youth for putting together this tutorial.

These guides are tailored for filers using our TaxSlayer self-filing link, but whether you’re self-filing or using a different platform, these resources offer useful tips and instructions for gig economy entrepreneurs, home-based child care businesses, small business owners, and for filers claiming disaster losses.

The first section of each guide offers tailored information on what to know and keep track of in getting ready to file taxes, while the second half directs you to the specific areas in the TaxSlayer software where you need to enter information.

  1. Tax Guide For Gig Economy Entrepreneurs
  2. Tax Guide For Home-Based Child Care Businesses
  3. Tax Guide For Small Business Owners
  4. Tax Guide For Claiming Disaster Losses

You must start at www.MyFreeTaxes.org and select our File on my own option. You will be redirected to a referral link that you will then use to access the TaxSlayer software, which will ensure you are not charged and associate your account with our referral link.

Make sure to bookmark the link to TaxSlayer once you follow these steps.

If you navigate to TaxSlayer directly, or use a link from another website, we cannot guarantee you won’t accidentally access one of TaxSlayer’s paid products. If you see a fee, you’ll need to delete your return and start over using the referral link we provide you. Please follow these steps:

  • Log into your TaxSlayer account
  • Using the gray sidebar, go to Settings, then Transaction History
  • In the Deactivate Tax Return section, select a reason from the drop-down menu and click the “Clear Your Return and Restart” button
    • If the Deactivate Tax Return section is empty, please log out of your account, close your internet browser, re-open your browser, and repeat the steps above.
  • Go to www.myfreetaxes.org, choose our self-file option, and complete our questions. We will connect you to our partner software using our special referral link. Please immediately log into your tax software account using to ensure your account is tagged with our referral link.

Get started filing on your own with ease by clicking the button below.

Self-File Here

To start amending your return through TaxSlayer, follow the following steps:

  1. Select E-file in the main navigation menu.
  2. Select the Amended Return menu item that appears below it in the navigation menu.
  3. Amend your return
  4. Once you have completed your amended return, select Continue at the bottom of the Amended Return menu to choose how you wish to file it.

The email notifying you of the rejection should provide the reason. Make corrections by logging back into your tax software account and refile. If that doesn’t work, you may have to file a paper return or contact the IRS. The most common reasons for rejection are:

  1. Employer EIN does not match IRS information
  2. Social Security number does not match IRS name
  3. Someone already filed using a dependent’s Social Security number
  4. IRS identity theft PIN is wrong or was omitted