Rep. Roland Lemar (D-Hamden, New Haven) today encouraged constituents to take advantage of free tax preparation services available through the IRS Free File program as well as services though the state Department of Revenue Services.
Since its inception in 2003, IRS Free File has offered 70 percent of taxpayers free access to leading commercial tax preparation software. Every taxpayer with a 2010 Adjusted Gross Income of $57,000 or less may visit www.IRS.gov/freefile to prepare, complete and e-file their federal tax returns at no cost. This service is made possible through a partnership between the IRS and the Free File Alliance, a coalition of industry-leading tax software companies.
“IRS Free File provides free access to tax preparation software so you can easily prepare and e-file your federal taxes online at no cost,” said Rep. Lemar. “The IRS Free File service is open to everyone who made $57,000 or less last year. Just visit IRS.gov and click on the Free File icon to get started. You can even get a refund in as few as 10 days. Also be sure to visit the state Department of Revenue Services for your state return.”
To begin, taxpayers should visit the IRS Free File website - www.irs.gov/freefile. 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 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.
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. For more information, visit www.freefilealliance.org.
Free assistance in completing Connecticut returns is available from the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services (DRS) by telephone at (800) 382-9463, at http://www.ct.gov/drs/site/default.asp - click on taxpayer service center for individuals, or in person at their Hartford Office. Residents can also call 2-1-1 to find local tax preparation assistance options.
