You don't have to pay to get your taxes done. These IRS-sponsored programs can help you prepare and file your taxes at no charge:

Free File is for anyone who earned $57,000 or less in 2009. The program allows you to prepare and file your taxes online, automatically checks for errors and directly deposits your refund in as little as 10 days with direct deposit. To get started, just go to the Free File portion of the IRS Web site.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program provides personal counseling and tax preparation for taxpayers with incomes of generally $49,000 or less, usually at libraries, schools, shopping malls local or community centers. To find a VITA site near you, call 1-800-829-1040.

Tax Counseling for the Elderly puts taxpayers 60 and older in touch with trained volunteers from nonprofit organizations that provide free tax counseling and basic income tax return preparation. For more information, call 1-800-829-1040.

The AARP's Tax-Aide is the largest free, volunteer-run tax program in the country. It operates from Feb. 1 through April 15, providing one-on-one counseling at 6,500 locations across the country, as well as assistance over the phone and Internet. For more information, call the AARP at 1-888-227-7669, visit Tax-Aide on the Web or click here to find a Tax-Aide site near you.

Here's where to find step-by-step advice on how to choose the best way to prepare your taxes -- the one that allows you to file as cheaply and easily as possible without missing any money-saving deductions or credits.