1 Month Left to Take Advantage of Free File from IRS

The Free File Alliance today encouraged eligible taxpayers to take advantage of its free tax preparation and e-filing services before the April 15 tax deadline. More than 98 million taxpayers with an adjusted gross income of $56,000 or less can visit the IRS Web site to receive step-by-step help preparing and e-filing their federal taxes through the Free File Alliance.

“With the tax deadline rapidly approaching, Free File can help taxpayers complete their taxes quickly and easily with no cost,” said Tim Hugo, executive director of the Free File Alliance. “The Free File Alliance offers vital assistance for Americans struggling in today’s economic climate. The program can even deliver a refund in as few as 10 days, giving Americans the cash they need to pay the bills.”

Taxpayers who would like to take advantage of the Free File service can visit the IRS website, www.irs.gov. By clicking on the “free file” icon on the left side of the page, users can find e-filing offers from participating companies and choose the one that best fits their needs. Taxpayers are then transferred to the company's website, where they receive the necessary help to prepare, complete and electronically file their federal income tax returns, just as they would on paper.

The Free File service is simple and user-friendly, and if used with direct deposit, it can provide a refund in as little as 10 days. Three of the 19 participating software companies now offer the service in Spanish.