Free file fillable forms

Has anyone used the aforementioned way of filing provided via the IRS? I have not seen how it works but seems a potential to e-file where I can fill out everything myself. I do not have the faith that the US-centric programs that automatically calculate things are getting the nuances right.

If anyone has used, a specific question would be can you upload supporting schedule (cover letter) with key information as I normally would include in a paper filing?

Many thanks in advance.

I looked at it last year, although ultimately decided not to use Free Fillable forms (it didn't support one of the one-off forms I needed, the AMT filing of form 1116, so I couldn't).

I will say that the calculation support provided is extremely basic. If you're very comfortable filing your own taxes in pen and ink, it's a small step up from that. But if you have any complications, you need to be very confident, especially when moving data from one form to another.

It's definitely an option for the right kind of person, though!

I do. My tax situation is not complicated so it's very straightforward for me.

I looked at it last year, although ultimately decided not to use Free Fillable forms (it didn't support one of the one-off forms I needed, the AMT filing of form 1116, so I couldn't).

I will say that the calculation support provided is extremely basic. If you're very comfortable filing your own taxes in pen and ink, it's a small step up from that. But if you have any complications, you need to be very confident, especially when moving data from one form to another.

It's definitely an option for the right kind of person, though!

Thanks for this. This is a shame to hear - I have to file 1116 AMT, so sounds like this might not be a viable option?

So Free file Fillable forms have been released today (24th Jan).

There is useful information: https://www.irs.gov/e-file-providers/free-file-fillable-forms-program-limitations-and-available-forms

This has answered some of my questions:
- You cannot add any additional documents such as filing information
- You cannot use this for 1116AMT, the website states:
"Form 1116, Foreign Tax Credit:
Part II column (l) will not accept "909 TAXES" or "1099 TAXES" in lieu of a date. Additionally, you cannot write in the words "DIVIDENDS" and "WAGES" on Part I line 1(a) or "LSD" on line 24.
An AMT version of this form is not available. All copies if Form 1116 will transfer line 35 to Schedule 3, line 1."

This is a real shame, it means I probably cannot use this service and e-file.

I'm not a bit stuck then for e-file: I don't have the faith in the paper file process (2020 experience - they scanned my CTC forms which came up damaged, didn't notify me, and I didn't get my refund and having to chase for hours with no clear route forward); I don't have faith in the likes of TaxAct (they should not be giving me QBD for self-employment that is not taking place outside of the US, yet they have, they also are taking off SS tax for self-employment even though I am exempt due to country treaty as I pay national insurance here), and now I cannot use the Free File fillable forms either due to not being able to do a 1116AMT.

Bit of another add on to the disgrace and backward inwardness that is the joys of the IRS and US tax filing.

Looks like the 1116 forms aren't available to file right now anyhow. Awaiting 1116 schedules, (new for 2021). Even though the IRS is accepting returns, I can't file because these new schedules aren't ready to go live.

Looks like the 1116 forms aren't available to file right now anyhow. Awaiting 1116 schedules, (new for 2021). Even though the IRS is accepting returns, I can't file because these new schedules aren't ready to go live.

Interesting - didn't know these were being rolled out this year. This might eliminate one need for attaching filing info sheet (where I listed my 10 year rolling tax credit carry over for general income taxes paid), but still frustrating that it looks like the only option might be a paper file.

Will ring TaxAct and ask why they allow Qualified Business Income Deduction to be given on a foreign source SE income.

I've included on 2 other threads also:

It seems as these forms are now live on the IRS website (as of 01/19/2022)

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i1116sb.pdf
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1116sb.pdf
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1116sc.pdf
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1116sc.pdf