[gergles]

They DO have a standardized submission protocol, you just can't send things to it without a certified client program.

They offer a truly free e-file solution (for Federal): https://www.freefilefillableforms.com/#/fd. Part of the deal for getting all the paid clients certified was that companies had to provide this product for free.

[wsha]

Indeed, I use and appreciate freefillableforms.com. Sorry, I should have clarified that I was talking about the state government tax filing process not having a free electronic submission process (at least for the three states I have filed in recently).