Free e-file with schedule C?

Need to check each one - How are we supposed to know? Depends on AGI, location, age, etc.

========================================= MODERATOR'S COMMENT: Please trim all that extra stuff before posting.

Hi, Tommy, I'm one of those volunteers who prepare taxes free. We're trained in basic tax law and how to use TaxWise software to prepare common tax returns. But there simply isn't time to train us thoroughly in the intricacies of Schedule C returns (which may include inventories, depreciation, etc.).

Therefore, the insurance which covers volunteers against errors and omissions specifies that we should not prepare any returns which include forms or tax issues for which we have not been trained -- and the Schedule C and E (rental real estate) are both cited as most common problems.

We are told that if we were to prepare a return including such forms, and the taxpayer sued, we would not be covered. Therefore, it would void the entire policy terms if we were to undertake such work.

So we get a very stern lecture _not_ to undertake such things.

Sorry, you'll either have to do it yourself, or find a paid preparer. I would recommend a good paid preparer, paricularly the first year you're in business -- to make sure your setup is done properly. (If you then become familiar with the forms and process, you can decide whether you want to do it yourself.)

Bill

Thanks. But I think I phrased my question wrong, which should have been: is there a way for an individual to imput the data and file electronically, for free, if one includes a Schedule C? My forms are prepared and ready to file. Last year I sent them in via snail mail, the IRS data processor accidently deleted my IRA, and I spent nearly a year trying to straighten that out and get my full refund.

I'm assuming such an error would be avoided by filing electronically, but I hate to spend the extra money on something like TurboTax just to file online, so I was hoping there was a free file option. Last year I waded through about a dozen programs and the dealbreaker was always Schedule C, so I gave up. I thought perhaps someone here would know from experience if one of the free efiles included Schedule C, or if there was another way for an individual to simply imput the data and hit send, as I can do with my state sales tax form.

Thanks...I know this is a crazy time of year for all of you, especially the Moderator, and I appreciate your help.

:-) Tommy

taxact.com will allow you to free efile with Sch C.