Economists expect the state will return nearly $4 billion in income taxes to residents when they file next year. (Getty Images)
Filing taxes can be costly, but it doesn’t need to be: There are free options.
Oregon taxpayers who prepare their own returns and file want to file electronically have several options, according to the state Department of Revenue. They include services by AARP, United Way’s MyFreeTaxes program, MFS-CASH Oregon and the IRS that provide tax guidance and form preparation. Mostly, they’re geared toward older people and those with lower incomes.
Besides telephone and online help, there are locations where people can go and get free tax help around the state. The revenue department advises residents to sign up for a spot as soon as possible because they fill up quickly.
Taxpayers who don’t meet the income requirements can also fill out state income tax forms themselves using free online forms provided by the state. The service will perform basic calculations, making this option best for those who don’t have complicated taxes, don’t need outside help and want to file electronically.
The IRS has a similar option for filing federal taxes electronically, and it has free sites for filing federal returns that are generally geared toward taxpayers who earn less than $60,000 a year.
Tax officials recommend electronic filing to get a quick refund. On average, taxpayers who e-file their returns and request their refund via direct deposit receive their refund 34 days sooner than taxpayers who mail their paper return and request paper refund checks.
Both the state and federal Internal Revenue Service will begin processing 2022 returns on Tuesday. Refunds will be issued starting February 15. The deadline for filing this year is April 18.
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