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Dave Ramsey Shares Vital Tax Advice All Americans Need to Hear

Filing your taxes doesn't need to drain your time, your money, or your patience.

By Adam Palasciano

Edited by Kristy DeSmit

Updated Feb. 27, 2026

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Filing taxes has become far more stressful — and expensive — than it needs to be, especially if you're trying to keep more of what you earn.

Many Americans may assume high costs and long hours are unavoidable parts of tax season. But personal finance expert Dave Ramsey recently called out that assumption in blunt fashion. His message was simple: most people are overpaying, overcomplicating, and giving tax software companies exactly what they want.

Here's what his advice reveals about saving money when you file.

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The average American spends a lot of time and money filing their tax return

In a recent Facebook post, Ramsey pointed to a startling statistic: the average American spends about $270 and 13 hours just to file a tax return. That combination of money and lost time is what he called "insane."

According to Ramsey, many commercial tax software companies intentionally make filing feel complex so they can upsell paid tiers at every step. What starts as "free" often turns into fees for common forms, deductions, or state returns. The end result is that taxpayers pay far more than expected for what is often a straightforward filing.

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Why saving money on tax filing matters

Every dollar spent filing taxes is a dollar you cannot use elsewhere. Cutting filing costs can free up cash to build savings, invest, or pay down high-interest debt.

The same is true for time — hours lost to confusing software or unnecessary upgrades could be spent on more productive priorities. Reducing friction during tax season helps households keep control over their finances instead of surrendering it to fees.

Ways to save money when filing your taxes

Filing affordably usually comes down to knowing which free or low-cost options actually apply to you. Several IRS-backed programs exist specifically to prevent taxpayers from overpaying. Understanding these choices can help you avoid unnecessary upgrades or paid services.

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Choose an IRS Free File option

The IRS Free File program is available to taxpayers with an adjusted gross income (AGI) of $89,000 or less. Through this program, you choose from a list of IRS partner tax software providers at no cost. These platforms guide you through simple questions, handle calculations automatically, and ensure accuracy.

Some partners also offer free state filing, though others may charge a separate fee. This option works well for people who want software assistance without surprise charges.

Use IRS Free File Fillable Forms

For taxpayers at any income level, IRS Free File Fillable Forms provide another no-cost option. These are online versions of IRS forms that you complete yourself, similar to filling out paper forms electronically. Instructions are provided, but calculations are limited, and there is no built-in state filing.

This route requires more effort but eliminates software costs entirely. It can be a practical choice for confident filers with straightforward returns.

IRS VITA and TCE programs for qualifying individuals

The IRS also sponsors free, in-person tax help through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs.

These services are available to people who generally earn $69,000 or less, individuals with disabilities, and taxpayers with limited English proficiency. Trained volunteers help prepare basic returns at no cost. A locator tool on the IRS website helps taxpayers find nearby sites.

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Be certain the commercial tax software you choose is truly free

If you decide to use commercial tax software, it's critical to read the fine print. Some platforms advertise free filing but charge for common situations like claiming deductions, reporting gig income, or filing state returns. Reviewing pricing details upfront can help you avoid a bait-and-switch scenario.

If you do pay, choosing a low-cost option that matches your needs can still keep expenses reasonable. Transparency is the key to avoiding unnecessary upgrades.

Bottom line

Dave Ramsey's message is less about taxes themselves and more about control. When Americans spend hundreds of dollars and an entire weekend filing, the system is working against them — not for them.

By using IRS-backed programs and carefully evaluating software options, you can reduce both cost and stress, and gain a clearer picture of where you stand financially without handing over more money than necessary.

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