Tax Software Available at ‘Volunteer Income Tax Assistance’ Sites in 14 States & Washington, DC.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 26, 2014) – The Free File Alliance, a nonprofit coalition of industry-leading tax software companies partnered with the Internal Revenue Service, today announced that free tax software is now available at self-assist computer kiosks across 14 states and Washington, D.C. – in addition to the Free File service available online at www.IRS.gov/freefile.
This service is made possible through a partnership between the Free File Alliance and the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA), a special program open to Americans with an adjusted gross income of $52,000 or less. Click here for a list of VITA sites that feature the Free File kiosks.
“The Free File Alliance is committed to offering free tax software to 70 percent of American taxpayers – even those without a computer or Internet access,” said Tim Hugo, executive director of the Free File Alliance. “If taxpayers are caught in the digital divide or simply need extra help, they can visit a participating VITA site, where an IRS-certified volunteer will guide them through the process.”
Hugo continued, “In addition, comprehensive tax software is available at www.IRS.gov/free file to all Americans making $58,000 or less. Software from the Free File Alliance provides step-by-step help and calculations to make tax-filing quick, simple and convenient.”
VITA provides Americans making $52,000 or less with free tax preparation and in-person assistance. VITA sites are staffed by IRS-certified volunteers, who help taxpayers complete their annual tax return and provide information about tax credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, and Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled.
Since its inception in 2003, Free File has offered free online commercial tax preparation software for 70 percent of taxpayers. This year, every taxpayer with a 2013 Adjusted Gross Income of $58,000 or less – about 100 million Americans – may prepare, complete and e-file their federal tax returns at no cost.
To begin, taxpayers should visit www.IRS.gov/freefile. There, users will find a list of Free File Alliance member companies and may either choose one that fits their needs or utilize the “Help Me Find Free File Software” tool. After selecting a tax software company, users will be transferred to the company’s website to prepare, complete and electronically file their federal income tax returns. The service is also available in Spanish.
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.
Contact: Katie Morgan, katiemorgan@rational360.com, 202.470.5362
