If you’re a taxpayer in Maryland gearing up for the next filing season, here’s something worth knowing: the cost of “free” tax software may not be so free after all — and for low- and moderate-income filers, that cost can be a heavy burden. We believe every dollar you earn should go toward your goals, not into hidden fees, upsells, or predatory practices. That’s why free filing isn’t just nice to have, it’s essential.
Your refund ≠ your cash
When you pay for tax software or a paid preparer, you’re often giving up more than you think. According to the research from The Shift Project (Harvard Kennedy School), many service-sector workers — even those earning below $58,000 annually — end up paying for assistance that could have been free. The brief finds that on average, workers paid roughly 7% of their refund just to have their taxes done, and many qualified for free services but didn’t use them. The Shift Project
Meanwhile, analysts estimate that the annual cost for taxpayers to comply with our tax system (time + money) is in the range of $260 billion to over $360 billion for Americans each year. National Taxpayers Union+2Tax Foundation+2
In plain language: when you pay $100, $200, or more for your tax filing, you’re draining resources that could have gone into savings, debt-pay-down, or building assets.
The Up-sell Trap
Here’s where things get tricky: many commercial tax-software or tax-prep firms market “free” versions that on-the-surface look appealing — but once you go in, the fine print, eligibility barriers, or add-on fees kick in. The freemium version becomes a “free to start” but “pay to finish” experience.
For example, the TurboTax parent company has faced criticism and legal scrutiny for how it steered users toward paid versions even when a free version existed.
Also, while the IRS Free File Program is technically available to many filers (for example, those making under about $84,000 AGI in recent years), the actual usage is incredibly low. Only a small percentage of eligible filers ever use the program.
What does this mean for you? If you think you’re getting “free” support, you might really be paying—either via higher fees, reduced refund, or lost time and stress.
Free filing with real impact
This is where CASH and partners shine. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program, supported by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), provides free, accurate tax-preparation services for low- and moderate-income individuals, persons with disabilities, seniors, and limited-English speakers.
In Maryland alone, CASH’s network filed more than 23,000 returns last year—bringing millions of dollars back to hardworking Maryland households. (That’s money staying in your community, not going to corporate tax‐prep conglomerates.)
What you can do
- File for free — If you qualify (low- to moderate-income, simple return, etc.), visit CASH’s tax-prep site to find free filing options: https://cashmd.org/prepare-your-own-taxes/#
- Volunteer — You can be part of the solution. Tax-season volunteers help support hundreds of filers and keep the program strong. https://cashmd.org/volunteer-with-us/
- Attend a class — Before you file: join a free CASH financial education or tax class to learn key things like credits, refunds, and tax rights: https://mdcashacademy.org/
- Spread the word — Many eligible filers don’t know free options exist. Share with friends, family, neighbors.
Final word
Paid tax software and high‐fee preparers might look convenient. But for many Marylanders, they represent unnecessary cost, wasted potential, and fewer dollars toward your future. At CASH Campaign of Maryland, our goal is clear: help you keep your money, build your financial strength, and advance your economic mobility. Free filing is a big piece of that puzzle.
File smart. File free. You earned it