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You've probably heard horror stories about how difficult, time-consuming and even expensive it is to prepare your income tax return. That's true if your financial situation is a complicated. But if you don't own several homes or businesses; don't have a portfolio that generates a substantial amount of your income or a lot of capital gains or losses; and aren't a Wall Street tycoon, your taxes could be as simple as a one- or two-page return (the 1040A or 1040EZ).

If that's the case, you can probably do your state and federal income taxes on your own, online, absolutely free.

The following entities offer free preparation and e-filing services that should make your tax season, if not painless, relatively easy.

TurboTax is one of the best-known of the automated tax-prep services, partly because of the massive amount of marketing dollars poured into it by its maker, Intuit. But the software doesn't disappoint. TurboTax calls its free tax prep Absolute Zero. If you made less than $100,000 in 2015, don't own a home or rental property, have just one employer and no interest, business-related or other Form 1099 income; and incurred no major medical expenses, you can complete your 1040EZ/A on TurboTax for exactly that amount.

Most people will qualify to file their federal and state returns at absolutely no cost. However, if you want TurboTax to store your return for next year, there is a fee.

TaxAct is another well-known tax prep package that offers a free service for people whose finances are simple enough to require only a 1040EZ/A form. You'll pay no fee to prepare and electronically file your taxes. The service also offers you get free e-mail support if you need it, and personalized healthcare and tax reports. If you're a student or parent of one, TaxAct can even help you prepare FAFSA student aid assistance forms.

You've likely heard of this national accounting chain, which prepares more than 24 million tax returns each year. Some of those are free, if they're simple enough. The company also offers free e-filing of federal returns and help with commonly asked questions. However, you have to pay $9.99 to file your state return. If you get a tax refund, and choose to put some of toward the purchase of e-gift cards through certain retailers, H&R Block will add 5% to that amount.

Although not as well known, TaxSlayer is well-liked by people who use it. The company offers a free return service that includes live phone support – something many of its competitors don't offer. You also get free e-mail support. However, as with H&R Block, you have to pay to file your state return.

Jackson Hewitt, whose kiosks you often see in Walmart stores, has more than 6,300 locations. You can prepare your simple tax return for free on its website (both federal and state returns). It allows you to import your W-2 forms – a service other preparers provide, too, assuming your employer participates in automated download programs. As long as you don't have complicated deductions or s of income, you won't pay anything.

The IRS isn't well-known for its caring side or for offering advice. But if you make $54,000 or less, have disabilities or speak little English, you may qualify for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. The IRS also has a Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program. Both the VITA and TCE programs operate in community and neighborhood centers such as libraries, schools and shopping malls. Some sites allow you to prepare your return electronically while others are staffed by volunteers.

Why would companies offer free e-filing services? Because they know that forming a relationship with you, even if they don't make any money from you this year, is valuable. Down the road, if your tax situation becomes more complex, you might turn to them for more costly services. Or even this year, should complications arise. (In that case, you'll benefit from reading H&R Block Vs. Turbo Tax Vs. Jackson Hewitt.)

These free services have their limitations, of course. Basically, they're for taxpayers who only have to do the 1040EZ or 1040A paperwork. But if your return is that simple, there's no reason you should pay to file this year. Just be sure, whichever firm you choose, to be careful with your sensitive data (see How To Safeguard Your Tax Returns From Identity Theft).