If tax season makes you stressed, you’re not alone—especially if money is already tight and you’re dealing with old debt. The good news: you don’t have to pay a lot (or anything) to get your taxes done right.

And once that refund shows up, you can use it to knock down the delinquent debt Remynt is helping you resolve and move closer to a fresh start.

This post walks through where to find free or affordable tax tools and real people who can help, plus how to use your refund to actually lower your stress.

1. Start With Free Help From the IRS

You may be able to file completely free using tools the IRS already offers.

IRS Free File (for online do‑it‑yourself filers)

If your annual adjusted income is below $89,000, you likely qualify for IRS Free File, which lets you use brand‑name tax software at no cost for federal taxes (and sometimes state).

Free File gives you:

• Step‑by‑step questions (like popular paid software).
• E‑file and direct deposit.
• No charge if you qualify.

Free fill‑in forms (for people comfortable with forms)

If you’re comfortable reading IRS instructions yourself, you can use their fillable forms and e‑file. These don’t guide you with questions, but they’re still free for federal returns.

2. Get In‑Person or Virtual Help for Free

If your situation feels confusing—or you just prefer a human—there are programs where trained volunteers help you for free. You can visit the IRS website here to learn more about the programs referenced below. 

VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance)

VITA sites are designed for people who:

• Generally make around a modest income,
• Have disabilities, or
• Have limited English skills.

What you get:

• Help from IRS‑trained volunteers.
• A quality review before your return is filed.
• No charge for the service.

You can find a VITA site here.

TCE (Tax Counseling for the Elderly)

If you’re 60 or older, TCE focuses on issues like retirement and pensions. It works a lot like VITA and is also free.

You can use the same IRS locator page to find TCE sites in your area.

AARP Foundation Tax‑Aide

You don’t need to be retired or an AARP member to get help here. AARP Tax‑Aide focuses on people 50+ with low- to moderate-income, but many locations will help others, too.

They offer:

• In‑person appointments.
• Drop‑off returns in some locations.
• Hybrid or virtual help in some areas.
  
  

3. Use Free (or Cheap) Versions of Big‑Name Software

If you like familiar brands like H&R Block and TurboTax but don’t want to pay full price, look for their true free tiers:

• Many offer free federal and state filing for simple returns (W‑2 income, unemployment, basic credits).
• Be careful clicking “upgrade” options—some extras will turn a free file into a paid one.

Tip: Before you start, check the “What’s included in free” page to see whether your situation qualifies. For example, FreeTaxUSA offers free federal tax filing and a small fee for filing state tax returns. 

4. Simple Tips to Save Money and Avoid Mistakes

No matter which option you choose, these moves can help you get the most from your refund:

• Gather everything first.
  W‑2s, 1099s (for gig work), last year’s return, and any letters about benefits or credits.
  
• Ask about credits you might miss.
  Things like the Child Tax Credit, Earned Income Tax Credit, or new changes for tipped workers and gig workers can make a big difference in your refund.
  
• Use direct deposit.
  It gets your money faster and more safely than a paper check.
  
• Watch out for “instant refund” offers.
  Refund advances and loans can come with fees or hidden costs. Often, waiting a couple of weeks keeps more money in your pocket.
  

5. Turn Your Refund Into a Step Toward Freedom From Debt

Once you know a refund is coming, the next question is: what will you do with it?

If you have delinquent debt—like the account Remynt is helping you manage—your refund can be a powerful tool:

• It can wipe out months of payments in one move.
• It can help you finish your repayment plan sooner.
• It can reduce the emotional weight of seeing that balance every month.

You don’t have to use your whole refund. Even something like:

• 40–50% toward your debt,
• 30–40% toward essentials or a small emergency fund,
• 10–20% for something that makes life feel a little lighter,

can move you forward while still respecting the reality of your day‑to‑day needs.

6. How Remynt Fits Into Your Tax Season Plan

If you decide to put part of your refund toward the debt Remynt is collecting, here’s how to do it:

1. Log in to your Remynt account.
2. Check your current balance and create a payment plan.
3. Choose a payment amount that fits your refund and budget; you can choose the total amount, make a one-time payment, set up a payment plan, or even settle your debt for less.
4. Schedule that payment once your refund hits your account.

The goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress.

Final Thought: You Deserve Help, Not Judgment

Owing money or having charged‑off debt doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It means life has been real—job changes, health issues, family responsibilities, or just trying to get by on not enough income.

Using free or low‑cost tax tools to file your return, and then using your refund to reduce old debt, is a quiet but powerful step toward a better financial future.

Tax season can be stressful—but it can also be the moment you decide to start changing your story.