Taxes

Doing Your Taxes Can Be Free

Posted: 1/7/2011

Anyone can use IRS Free File to prepare and e-file federal tax returns for free.

(NAPSI) - The IRS recognizes that taxes can be, well, taxing. This tax season taxpayers can save time and money by using IRS Free File-the free way to electronically prepare and e-file your federal tax return.

Thanks to a partnership between the IRS and 20 tax software providers, all taxpayers have a Free File option: easy-to-use brand-name tax software or online fillable forms-available exclusively at IRS.gov.

Free File Tax Software

Free File tax software is available for taxpayers with a 2010 Adjusted Gross Income of $58,000 or less. Nearly 100 million Americans-that’s 70 percent of the nation’s taxpayers-qualify to use this software.

Here’s how it works:

• Step 1: Start by getting all your tax information together and accessing Free File through the IRS website at www.IRS.gov/freefile.

• Step 2: Review the list of tax software companies and their offerings. You can also select “Help me choose a company” and, by answering a few questions, you automatically will be directed to the best software program for your situation.

• Step 3: Once software is selected, you will be directed to the private company’s website and be guided through the tax preparation process. Once completed, e-file your federal tax return for free.

The best part is that taxpayers don’t need to be tax experts-the Free File software does all the hard work. Through a series of questions, the software will find the right tax forms, complete the math and make sure individuals get the tax breaks they deserve, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit.

Software providers use the latest technology to keep your tax information safe and secure.

Free File Fillable Forms

Taxpayers who made more than $58,000 or who are comfortable preparing their own tax return can use Free File Fillable Forms. These are online blank IRS forms that are available to all taxpayers regardless of income. The forms perform basic math calculations and are a good option for the true do-it-yourself taxpayer. The forms can be accessed through www.irs.gov/freefile and also allow taxpayers to e-file for free.

In addition to the program being available for free 24 hours a day, seven days a week, using e-file to Free File means a fast refund. Nearly 70 percent of taxpayers already use IRS e-file annually. In fact, taxpayers who combine e-file and direct deposit can get their refunds in as few as 10 days. Learn more at www.freefile.irs.gov.

Don’t think you can file your tax return by the April 18, 2011 deadline? You can use either Free File software or online fillable forms to file an extension. And, remember, that’s an extension to file, not an extension to pay. Use Free File to complete and submit Form 4868 and then return to Free File by October 17, 2011 to file your tax return.

This year, you can join the 30 million Americans who already have given Free File a try and found it to be fast, safe and free.

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