Your Complete Guide to Free Tax Tools

OnLine Taxes at OLT.com
You can only file your federal tax returns for free on OLT.com if your adjusted gross income is between $12,050 and $57,000, though the service is available to all ages in all states. Those who don't meet the federal requirements can file for $7.95, and everyone who chooses to add a state tax return to their federal return will have to pay $7.95.

eSmartTax by Liberty Tax Service
Taxpayers in all states are eligible to use eSmartTax to file their federal tax return if their adjusted gross income is $57,000 or less and they are 52 years old or younger. Free state tax returns are also offered in Georgia, Iowa, Michigan and Virginia to those who meet the same requirements. Residents of other states can file their state returns for $9.95.

YES I-CAN! E-File
Taxpayers in all states can file their federal return through YES I-CAN! E-File for free if their adjusted gross income is $29,000 or less or if they qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit. Otherwise, filing the federal tax return costs $4.99. The site can also help prepare tax returns in California, Michigan, Montana, Pennsylvania and New York, and can file returns in each of these states except New York.

1040 Free File Edition
You can get a free federal tax return through 1040 Free File Edition if you are under 52 years old (as of Dec. 31, 2011) and your adjustable gross income is $52,000 or less. The service is offered to all U.S. citizens and resident aliens with foreign addresses. State returns are offered for $29.95.

TurboTax Freedom Edition
Free federal filings are offered to those with an adjusted gross income of $37,000 a year or less, 2011 active-duty military members with an adjusted gross income of $57,000 or less or those eligible for the EITC.

These people can also qualify for a free state return in they live in Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Georgia, Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Virginia, Vermont or Wyoming. Otherwise, a state return can be tacked on for $14.95.