minimal income like from SS? Make sure they have to file taxes. Unfortunately, to get the government's money handout, you have to file. My mom suggested that I not file because she didn't need the money and didn't feel right taking it. I told her to take it and give it to her grandkids, because they would have to pay it back some day.

On your question, I used Tax hawk for both federal and state for my daughter and I think it cost $7. You should probably google by state to find out if there are free state options. Lots of federal free options including Turbo Tax online IIRC.