Free File Alliance & IRS Kick Off 9th Year of Free Online Tax Prep Services for Millions of Americans

WASHINGTON, Jan. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Free File Alliance, a coalition of industry-leading tax software companies partnered with the Internal Revenue Service, today announced the launch of the 2011 IRS Free File program. Since its inception in 2003, IRS Free File has offered low-to-moderate income taxpayers free access to leading commercial tax preparation software. This year, every taxpayer with a 2010 Adjusted Gross Income of $58,000 or less may visit www.IRS.gov to prepare, complete and e-file their federal tax returns at no cost.

"IRS Free File returns this year to proudly give 98 million Americans free access to the industry's best tax preparation software," said Tim Hugo, executive director of the Free File Alliance. "We are committed to making taxes simple, fast and free by offering step-by-step help that takes guesswork out of the process. More than 30 million people have already taken advantage of IRS Free File, and our goal this year is to serve each and every taxpayer making $58,000 or less."

To begin, taxpayers may visit the IRS website, www.IRS.gov, and click on the "Free File" icon. Users will find a list of Free File Alliance member companies and may either choose the one that fits their needs or utilize the "help me find a company" tool. After selecting a company, taxpayers will be transferred to the company's website to prepare, complete and electronically file their federal income tax returns. Three of the 19 participating software companies also offer services in Spanish.

This year, the Free File Alliance has also partnered with the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA), a service for low-to-moderate income taxpayers. Thanks to the new partnership, Free File Alliance member software will be available on self-assist kiosks at VITA sites in 29 states across the country. VITA's partnership with the Free File Alliance will extend its reach and help the IRS provide expanded free tax prep services to more taxpayers who need additional assistance.

"Free File Alliance member companies have continually worked with the IRS to strengthen IRS Free File and ensure that it remains both accurate and secure," continued Hugo. "Through the new VITA partnership, the Free File Alliance will be able to help the IRS serve more taxpayers than ever before."

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 30 million returns have been filed through IRS Free File since its inception. For more information, visit www.freefilealliance.org.

SOURCE The Free File Alliance