As Tax Deadline Approaches, All Taxpayers Making $57,000 or Less Can Visit IRS.gov to Prepare & E-File Federal Taxes through Partnership between Free File Alliance & IRS

WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 12, 2010) – With just one month left until April 15^th, the Free File Alliance, a coalition of industry-leading tax software companies partnered with the Internal Revenue Service, urged every taxpayer with a 2009 Adjusted Gross Income of $57,000 or less  to take advantage of the IRS Free File program. Through this partnership between the Free File Alliance and the IRS, more than 98 million Americans can visit www.IRS.gov for access to the industry’s top tax software and step-by-step help preparing and e-filing their federal tax returns.

“The IRS Free File program is a completely free and easy way for 98 million Americans to prepare and file their federal taxes online,” said Tim Hugo, executive director of the Free File Alliance. “With April 15 fast approaching, all taxpayers making $57,000 or less can visit www.IRS.gov at any time of day or night to use free online software that guides them through every step of the filing process. Free File makes it easy to do your taxes when and where it is most convenient for you.”

The Free File program is available on the IRS website, www.IRS.gov. By clicking on the “Free File” icon, users will find a list of Free File Alliance member companies and can choose the one that fits their needs. Taxpayers are then transferred to the company's website to prepare, complete and electronically file their federal income tax returns, just as they would on paper.  Three of the 19 participating software companies now offer services in Spanish.

“The Free File Alliance is a vital service that makes taxes quick, easy and secure for 70 percent of American taxpayers,” said Hugo. “Participants can also receive refunds in as little as 10 days with direct deposit.”

Free File Alliance member companies have continually worked with the IRS to strengthen Free File program, and taxpayers have consistently reported that it is user-friendly and efficient. Responding to an IRS survey about last year’s program, 96 percent of users said they found Free File easy to use, while 98 percent said they would recommend the program to others.

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 25 million returns have been filed through the Free File program over the past seven years.  For more information, visit www.freefilealliance.org.

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