Free File Alliance Partners with IRS Volunteer Program to Provide Free, In-Person Tax Help for Low-Income Taxpayers

Tax Software Available at 300 Local 'Volunteer Income Tax Assistance' Sites Across the Country

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Mar 21, 2012, 12:19 ET

WASHINGTON, March 21, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Free File Alliance, a coalition of industry-leading tax software companies partnered with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), has joined forces with the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) to help more low-to-moderate income taxpayers than ever before. Through this new partnership, Free File Alliance member software is now available at self-assist computer kiosks found in nearly 300 VITA locations across 29 states. Eligible taxpayers can access these kiosks and use this brand-name software to prepare and e-file their federal tax returns. Click here for a list of VITA sites that feature the Free File kiosks.

"The goal of the Free File Alliance is to provide online preparation and e-filing services for Americans who might not be able to afford professional tax software or filing assistance," said Tim Hugo, executive director of the Free File Alliance. "Through the VITA partnership, Free File is able to help taxpayers who might not have internet access at home, or those who want to e-file, but need some additional one-on-one help."

"The new Free File kiosks also extend VITA's reach, helping volunteers serve more taxpayers," continued Hugo. "If a person feels comfortable, they can start e-filing at the kiosk. If they need a little help in the middle of the process, a VITA volunteer will be there."

VITA provides people who make $50,000 or less with free tax preparation and in-person assistance at convenient locations nationwide. IRS-certified volunteers help taxpayers complete their annual tax return and provide information about tax credits for which they might be eligible, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, and Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled. For a list of VITA sites that offer Free File Alliance member software, click here.

For 10 years, the Free File Alliance has partnered with the IRS to offer the IRS Free File program—providing free online commercial tax preparation software for 70 percent of American taxpayers. This year, every taxpayer with a 2011 Adjusted Gross Income of $57,000 or less may visit www.IRS.gov to prepare, complete and e-file their federal tax returns at no cost.

About the Free File Alliance

The Free File Alliance, a 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. More than 33 million returns have been filed through IRS Free File since its inception. For more information, visit www.freefilealliance.org.

SOURCE Free File Alliance