This post is from Brandon Ballenger at partner site Money Talks News.

In the past few months, politicians like Texas Gov. Rick Perry and House Speaker John Boehner have suggested Americans spend as much as $500 billion a year to file taxes.

That’s way off, according to Politifact. But they cite a tax expert’s opinion and a 2005 Government Accountability Office study, which both suggest it is probably above $100 billion a year.

That’s a crazy number, considering many Americans don’t have to pay anything. According to the Internal Revenue Service, 70% of Americans are eligible for free tax preparation and filing software.

In the video below, Money Talks News founder and CPA Stacy Johnson has one of the most popular pieces of tax advice around -- where to get taxes done for free. Check it out, and then read on for more. (Post continues below video.)

As you heard, there are different options depending on your age and income level -- but everybody has a cheaper route than going to a tax pro.

Income below $50,000? Free in-person help

Check out the IRS’ Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, or VITA. The program offers free preparation help and information on tax credits you might qualify for, plus tips on free electronic filing.

There are thousands of these locations across the country in schools, libraries, malls and community centers. You can look up free tax-prep locations by ZIP code -- there were five in as many miles near me, and only one required appointments. You can also call 1-800-906-9887 to find a location.

Although many take walk-ins who show up with all their paperwork, it’s probably a good idea to make an appointment. The closer to Tax Day (April 17) we get, the more hectic things will be.

You don’t have to be an AARP member to qualify -- all you have to do is use their website to find an AARP Tax Aide near you. Alternatively, call 1-888-227-7669.

If you’re too young or fall in the income gap between $50,000 and $57,000, the IRS wants you to know about Free File tax software. Answer a few basic questions and the site will help you pick one of several free tax preparation options.

A warning: While these sites will help you prepare and file for free, there’s often a fee for filing a state return, amending your federal return or pulling up a previous year’s return. Fees vary, but can run between $10 and $40 for each of these snags. So shop around, do things right the first time and keep both digital and hard copies when you file.

There are two components to the IRS free file system. The preparation help is only for those with gross incomes of less than $57,000. But the online filing part is free for everybody, so feel free to use the IRS’ Free File Fillable Forms instead of mailing in a pen-and-paper version.

While you can’t get step-by-step guidance, you can always get free help from the IRS by visiting a local office or calling 1-800-829-1040. Though it may take some digging, the IRS has all its tax code publications online and a huge, searchable tax FAQ. Not the most convenient way to do your taxes, but still free.

More on Money Talks News and MSN Money:

• Tax Hacks 2012: Home office deductions
• 8 sexy tips to save on Valentine's Day
• How the price of milk might lower your taxes
• Is your home office deductible?
• Big tax cheats: Small businesses
• How does tax software stack up?