The Free File Alliance Urges Americans Facing Economic Recession to Take Advantage of Free Tax Preparation and E-Filing Services

More than 98 Million Taxpayers Making $56,000 or Less are Eligible for Free Tax Assistance and E-Filing Through www.IRS.gov

WASHINGTON, Feb. 10 /PRNewswire/ — The Free File Alliance today encouraged taxpayers struggling in the current economic climate to take advantage of free tax preparation services offered by the Free File Alliance (www.freefilealliance.org). Free File is a coalition of 19 private tax software companies that have partnered with the Internal Revenue Service to provide free electronic tax preparation services for millions of Americans. More than 98 million taxpayers with an adjusted gross income of $56,000 or less are eligible for the program and can receive refunds quickly.

“The Free File Alliance delivers critical support for Americans hit hard in today’s economy,” said Tim Hugo, executive director of the Free File Alliance. “While the recession has forced many Americans to trim their budgets, we still have to file our taxes. Thanks to Free File’s partnership with the IRS, everyone making less than $56,000 can get step-by-step help e-filing their returns and can even get a refund in as little as 10 days.”

Taxpayers who would like to take advantage of the program can visit the Internal Revenue Service website, www.irs.gov. On the IRS website, 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.

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

More than 24 million Americans have used the Free File Alliance since it began in 2003. Free File companies have worked with the IRS each year to improve the program and adhere to a series of consumer-friendly “best practices.”

Taxpayers responding to an IRS survey about last year’s program reported a tremendous level of satisfaction with Free File. According to the survey, 92 percent said they intend to use Free File again next year, 95 percent said they found Free File very easy or somewhat easy to use, and 98 percent said they would recommend the program to others. Survey results showed convenience and the free cost are the most appealing factors of Free File.

SOURCE The Free File Alliance