KANSAS CITY, Mo., Feb. 20, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Taxpayers have one more week to file a federal 1040EZ for free at participating H&R Block (NYSE:HRB) offices. Taxpayers can file a Federal 1040EZ for free through Feb. 28. This free offer gives those taxpayers access to expert assistance in completing their returns and guarantees they get their maximum refund.
“Filing a simple tax return may not be as easy as many taxpayers believe,” said Karen Orosco, senior vice president of H&R Block U.S. Retail Sales and Service organization. “Having assistance from a qualified tax professional provides taxpayers confidence that they aren’t leaving any money on the table.”
It can pay to file a tax return, even if not required
Filing requirements depend on a combination of circumstances, including filing status, income and age. Taxpayers can answer an online IRS quiz to determine if they need to file a tax return. Generally, taxpayers must file if their gross income exceeds $10,350 for single filers or $20,700 for married couples filing jointly. However, if the taxpayer is a dependent of another filer, the dependent will have a lower filing requirement that could kick in as low as $1,050 in unearned income or $6,300 for earned income.
Even if their income is below the filing threshold and the IRS does not require them to file, anyone earning income should consider filing a return. Students or others with part-time work should file a return to get a refund of all taxes withheld and/or to claim other tax benefits.
For example, if a high school student with an after-school job earned $4,000 in 2016, they would not have to file a tax return. However, if they had $150 in federal income taxes withheld from their paychecks, they could file a return to get a refund of that money. They may be due a refund of state taxes too.
Millions can file for free at H&R Block offices
In 2015, more than 23 million taxpayers filed a 1040EZ. Generally, a 1040EZ filer is a taxpayer who files single or married filing jointly, who does not pay mortgage interest or have other itemized deductions, has no dependents and earned less than $100,000 last year.
To learn more about filing a Free 1040EZ and other free tax preparation options, find a nearby location or make an appointment, visit www.hrblock.com or call 1-800-HRBLOCK.
About H&R Block
H&R Block, Inc. (NYSE:HRB) is a global consumer tax services provider. Tax return preparation services are provided by professional tax preparers in approximately 12,000 company-owned and franchise retail tax offices worldwide, and through H&R Block tax software products for the DIY consumer. H&R Block also offers adjacent Tax Plus products and services. In fiscal 2016, H&R Block had annual revenues of over $3 billion with 23.2 million tax returns prepared worldwide. For more information, visit the H&R Block Newsroom.