Free Tax Filing Program

Taxpayers Making $58,000 or Less Can Visit IRS.gov to Prepare and E-File Federal Tax Returns through Landmark Partnership between IRS & Tax Software Providers

WASHINGTON, DC (March 23, 2011) – Congressman Poe today, encouraged constituents to take advantage of free tax preparation services available through the IRS Free File program. Since its inception in 2003, IRS Free File has offered low-to-moderate income taxpayers free access to leading commercial tax preparation software. This year, every taxpayer with a 2010 Adjusted Gross Income of $58,000 or less may visit www.IRS.gov/efile to prepare, complete and e-file their federal tax returns at no cost.

IRS Free File gives 100 million Americans online access to tax preparation software that allows you to easily prepare and e-file your federal taxes at no cost. The program is open to everyone who made $58,000 or less last year. I encourage taxpayers to visit IRS.gov and let IRS Free File do the hard work for you. You can even get a refund in as little as 10 days.

To begin, taxpayers may visit the IRS website, www.IRS.gov, and click on the “Free File” icon. Users will find a list of Free File Alliance member companies and may either choose the one that fits their needs or utilize the “help me find a company” tool. After selecting a company, taxpayers will be transferred to the company's website to prepare, complete and electronically file their federal income tax returns. Three of the 19 participating software companies also offer services in Spanish.

“The IRS Free File program walks taxpayers through the filing process to make it simple, fast and free,” said Tim Hugo, executive director of the Free File Alliance. “Free File software not only increases accuracy but delivers a quick turn-around on tax refunds, getting it to you in as little as 10 days. Free File Alliance member companies have continually worked with the IRS to strengthen IRS Free File and ensure that it remains both accurate and secure.”

This year, the Free File Alliance has also partnered with the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA), a service for low-to-moderate income taxpayers. Thanks to the new partnership, Free File Alliance member software will be available on self-assist kiosks at VITA sites in 29 states across the country. VITA’s partnership with the Free File Alliance will extend its reach and help the IRS provide expanded free tax prep services to more taxpayers who need additional assistance.

About the Free File Alliance

The Free File Alliance, a coalition of 19 industry-leading tax software companies, has partnered with the IRS since 2003 to help low- and middle-income Americans prepare, complete and e-file their federal tax returns online. The Free File Alliance is committed to giving 70 percent of Americans free access to the industry’s top online tax preparation software. More than 30 million returns have been filed through IRS Free File since its inception. For more information, visit www.freefilealliance.org.