How to File State and Federal Tax Returns in Illinois for Free when You Have No Income

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Go to http://turbotax.intuit.com/ and click the "Free Edition" tab furthest to the left to file for a 1040EZ return.

   It will take you through step-by-step through setting up your personal information.
   
   This part is not too hard, just follow the directions.
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   Step 2: When you're done entering your personal information

   Click "Enter W-2". , but since you didn't work, you don't have one so click continue. , Enter what's applicable to you but most likely if you had 0 income, just skip this entire page by clicking Continue at the bottom. , Click Continue. , Once that's done, proceed through the process until you get to "State taxes". ,, If you did everything correctly and supplied all your information, your Federal return should have been submitted electronically successfully.
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   Step 3: you will be asked to start working on your W-2

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   Step 4: but probably

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   Step 5: you didn't have a W-2 because you had no income.

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   Step 6: Now it's asking you for your Employer Identification No.

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   Step 7: Now you have the W-2 screen opened.

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   Step 8: "Your box 1 is empty"... that is correct

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   Step 9: it sure is empty.

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    Step 10: Step 5 can be the most annoying part.

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    Step 11: When you get to "State taxes"

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    Step 12: click continue

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    Step 13: then click "Skip State" because it costs money to file your state return.

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    Step 14: Eventually you will get to a screen that asks you if you want to file both Federal and state returns... just select the bubble to file Federal only.

Detailed Guide

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