I've been using free fillable forms for years. Luckily my state also uses them. One year they didn't and I filed paper (by filling out PDFs, as well), and wrote

I've been using free fillable forms for years. Luckily my state also uses them. One year they didn't and I filed paper (by filling out PDFs, as well), and wrote a letter to the department of revenue promising to file paper returns every year they didn't have a free efile option. And the next year they brought it back. Because of me, I'm sure. ;) But until the IRS has full service online, I'm not paying a third party out of principle. The only time I shell out is if it gets too complex, and then I pay an accountant.