File Income Tax Returns for Free
Submit U.S. Taxes Electronically Using IRS Free File or e-File
Jan 19, 2008 Jace Shoemaker-Galloway
Beginning January 11, 2008, the Internal Revenue Service will begin accepting tax returns electronically.
The IRS e-File program is a fast, simple and convenient way to electronically file Federal tax returns directly to the IRS.
“The IRS e-File is the fastest, easiest and most accurate way to file a tax return. We strongly encourage taxpayers to take advantage of the benefits that electronic filing offers”, said Internal Revenue Service’s Acting Commissioner, Linda Stiff.
Electronic filing of tax returns began in 1986, with three US cities participating. 25,000 returns were filed that year. In 1990, the pilot program went nation-wide and 4.2 million returns were filed electronically. In 2007, 80 million tax returns were filed electronically, accounting for 57% of all filings. The e-File program continues to grow every year.
e-File Benefits:
- Faster refunds. Those who select refunds using direct deposit, receive refunds in as little as ten days.
- Paperless filing is also eco-friendly
- Convenient
- Safe and secure. Forms are protected through encryption process
- Once filed electronically, an acknowledgement notice is mailed within 48 hours of acceptance
- e-File allows taxpayers who owe to file now and pay later
- More accurate. It is estimated that filing electronically results in errors of 1 percent compared to 20 percent with conventional returns
For more information or to begin using e-File, visit the official IRS website.
IRS Free File
In 2003, the IRS collaborated with a group of private-sector tax preparation companies, also known as the Free File Alliance LLC, to bring free online tax preparation and electronic filing services to American taxpayers. This initiative, called Free File, provides numerous benefits to those who are eligible.
Free File is a form of free Federal tax preparation and electronic filing available to those who meet specific eligibility requirements. Americans with a 2007 Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $54,000 or less may file federal tax returns free of charge. (Some other restrictions may apply). Several Free File Alliance companies also offer individual state preparation and filing services free of charge.
Benefits of Free File:
- Free filing for eligible taxpayers
- Fast and simple
- Convenient
- Paperless filing
- Quick refunds
- Safe and secure
- Choice of free services from a variety of companies
- Available 24 hours a day, every day of the week
- Also available in Spanish
To obtain the free filing service, taxpayers MUST first access the IRS website. From the IRS website, choose one of the participating Free File Alliance members to begin the filing process. (If taxpayers go directly to a tax preparation company without visiting the official IRS website first, fees may be incurred).
It is estimated that 97 million taxpayers will be eligible in 2007 to file their taxes using the Free File service.
To check for Free File eligibility or to begin the Free File process, visit the official IRS Free File website.
Source:
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