What time is it? Taxes time!

To be honest, I enjoy doing my taxes since I am still at a point where I usually get a decent refund each year and it doesn't take all that long to complete. And this year was especially exciting for me since I didn't pay anything to file either my federal or state taxes, and I already have both of my refunds!

How did I do it? Well this year is probably easiesr than ever to file your taxes online for free. The federal government has links to several websites where you can prepare your taxes and not pay a filing fee. There are also many states that are making e-filing much easier.

With the federal returns, it is important to note that free tax preparation and e-filing is available only if your adjusted gross income is $56,000 or less in 2008.

The state of California is offering a program called ReadyReturn where you can file your taxes for free online directly with the state. To qualify you must have filed taxes as a California resident for 2007 (so if you moved to CA in 2008, you aren't eligible), as well as meet the following:

• Single or head of household filing status
• Income only from wages
• No more than five dependents
• No credits other than the renter's credit
• Standard deduction

It may not be a solution for everyone, but it will help out quite a few people. Although if you've been following the news, it looks like there will now be a delay on receiving any refunds from the State of California - it seems they are out of money.

Good luck!