Free Tax Filing Online 2015: Tax Deadline Date Nears - Tips on Where and How to File Your Taxes for Free

With less than two weeks before the tax deadline on April 15, those earning $60,000 or less can prepare and e-file their federal tax return for free.

The Internal Revenue Service, or I.R.S., has partnered with Free File Alliance, a non-profit coalition of industry-leading tax software companies, for free tax solutions available at www.I.R.S..gov/FreeFile.

Taxpayers can choose from free file softwares H&R Block, TaxACT, 1040NOW.net, FreeTaxUSA, TurboTax, TaxSlayer, FileYourTaxes.com, Free1040TaxReturn.com, Tax Simple, eSmartTax by Liberty Tax Service, OLT.com, Jackson Hewitt, 1040.com and ezTaxReturn.com.

Free File has two options for taxpayers based on their income level.

Taxpayers with $60,000 or less can access free tax software to prepare, complete and e-file their federal tax returns at no cost.

For those whose income exceed $60,000, they can e-file their federal tax returns or an extension using the Free File Fillable Forms for taxpayers who are familiar with tax law and need no assistance in the preparation of their tax forms.

The Free File Alliance said the Free File has been updated to cover the changes regarding the Affordable Care Act.

"Free File offers free tax services to all taxpayers, providing a fast, safe and affordable option for anyone who still needs to file," said Tim Hugo, executive director of the Free File Alliance.

More than 43 million returns have been filed through Free File.

The I.R.S. said its Free File is fast, safe and free to use in filing federal tax return.

There's also the I.R.S. Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, or VITA, program that offers free tax help to taxpayers who make $53,000 or less, persons with disabilities, elderly and those with limited English who need assistance in preparing their tax returns.

In addition, the I.R.S. Tax Counseling for the Elderly, or TCE, program offers free tax help for all taxpayers, particularly those who are 60 years of age and older, specializing in questions about pensions and retirement-related issues unique to seniors.

For the its Free File, the I.R.S. offers the following notes:

Free Options for All. There is a free option for everyone. People who make $60,000 or less – 70 percent of Americans – can choose easy-to-use software to do their taxes and e-file for free. People who make more than $60,000 can use Free File Fillable Forms, the electronic version of I.R.S. paper forms.

Free File Does the Hard Work. I.R.S. Free File is a partnership between the I.R.S. and 14 tax software manufacturers that make their products available for free. You don't need to be a tax expert. The software will help find tax breaks you may be able to claim but might overlook, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit. The software asks the questions; you supply the answers. It will choose the right tax forms and do the math for you. Free File can help also with the new health care law tax provisions.

Free File on I.R.S.gov. You can only access I.R.S. Free File on I.R.S.gov/freefile. That way you will avoid any charges for preparing or e-filing your federal tax return. Once you choose a Free File company, you'll go to their website to prepare, print and e-file your federal tax return.

Free Extensions. If you can't make the April 15 deadline, you can use Free File to request an extension. Making the request is easy and free through I.R.S. Free File. Just look for "free extensions" in the company offers. Remember, this is a six-month extension of time to file your tax return, not to pay your tax. If you think you owe, make an estimated payment with your extension request.

Use I.R.S. E-file. Remember, the fastest way to get your refund is to combine e-file with direct deposit. If you owe taxes, you can e-file now and set up an automatic payment on any day until the April 15 due date. To view your options to pay visit I.R.S.gov/payments.