Taxpayers making less than $57,000 can visit IRS.gov to prepare and e-file federal taxes

CHICAGO – Today, Congressman Mike Quigley (D-IL) encouraged constituents to take advantage of free tax preparation services through the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Free File program.  Through Free File, every taxpayer with a 2009 Adjusted Gross Income of $57,000 or less can visit www.IRS.gov and use online software to prepare, complete and file their federal tax returns online at no cost.  Free File is made possible through a partnership between the IRS and the Free File Alliance, a group of 19 industry-leading tax software providers.

“Filing taxes can be a stressful, expensive process full of questions and headaches, but the Free File program offers assistance to 70 percent of Americans,” said Rep. Quigley. “Thanks to this partnership with the IRS, people who might not otherwise be able to afford help can get step-by-step guidance on preparing their tax returns.  This is a great opportunity, and I hope everyone that is eligible to participate takes full advantage.”

The Free File program is available on the IRS Web site, www.IRS.gov.  By clicking on the “Free File” icon, users will find a list of Free File Alliance member companies and choose the one that fits their needs.  Taxpayers are then transferred to the company's Web site 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 program walks taxpayers through the filing process to make it quick, easy and secure,” said Tim Hugo, executive director of the Free File Alliance.  “Free File software increases accuracy and delivers refunds in as little as 10 days.  Taxpayers can also rest assured that all information is safely and securely delivered to the IRS.”

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.

Information about filing State of Illinois tax returns online is available at www.tax.illinois.gov.

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.