Free Taxpayer Software for SMBs

Free Software Available at www.IRS.gov/FreeFile for Taxpayers Making $58,000 or Less; Basic E-Filing & Online Extensions Available to All 

By Kate Morgan

As you know, American taxpayers now have less than two weeks to complete and file their taxes with the IRS. Through a partnership with the IRS and Free File Alliance, taxpayers can use free, brand-name tax software available at www.IRS.gov/FreeFile. Through the Free File program, all taxpayers can e-file their federal tax returns or extensions at no cost.

“April 15 is less than two weeks away, and Free File is the perfect solution for Americans who are crunched for time,” said Tim Hugo, executive director of the Free File Alliance. “Also, anyone can use Free File to submit an extension from their computer – giving themselves an extra six months to prepare and file a federal tax return, and taxpayers  making $58,000 or less can access brand-name software to prepare and e-file their tax return in minutes. Just visit www.IRS.gov/freefile to find the tax software option that’s right for you.”

There, users can access free software from Free File Alliance member companies. Taxpayers with higher incomes may choose to use Free File Fillable Forms, which allow taxpayers who are familiar with tax law and need no preparation assistance to complete and e-file their federal tax returns or extensions.

Free File has saved taxpayers an estimated $1.2 billion in preparation and filing costs since the program began in 2003. Free File Alliance member companies have continually worked with the IRS to strengthen the Free File program, and taxpayers have consistently reported that it is user-friendly and efficient. Responding to a 2009 IRS survey, 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 nonprofit coalition of 14 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. About 40 million returns have been filed through IRS Free File since its inception. For more information, visit www.freefilealliance.org.