IRS Web site offers link to free federal tax return filing

Free File, located on the Internal Revenue Service’s Web site at www.irs.gov, is a free federal tax preparation and electronic filing program for eligible taxpayers, said Sissy Osteen, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension Service resource management specialist.

 “There is no cost or hidden fees for taxpayers who have an Adjusted Gross Income of $52,000 or less to file their federal tax returns,” Osteen said. “AGI is income, including wages, interest, capital gains, income from retirement accounts, alimony paid to you, adjusted downward by specific deductions. These deductions include contributions to deductible retirement accounts and alimony paid by you, however, does not include standard and itemized deductions.”

 Osteen said AGI is the number taxpayers write at the bottom of page one of the 1040 form, and then copy again to the top of page two.

“Free File partners are allowed to charge a fee for state tax returns, but some partners do offer free state filing. Once you are in the site, check with your Free File partners to see if you can file your state taxes at no charge,” she said. “Click on the ‘Guide Me to A Company’ link to find out which companies offer free state tax preparation and e-filing services for Oklahoma.”

 Qualified taxpayers need to enter the Free File program through the IRS Web site. To date, more than 15.4 million taxpayers have prepared and submitted their tax returns through Free File.

“This service is a great alternative to costly Rapid Refund loans. In cases where individuals elect to have returns direct deposited into a bank account, many receive those refunds within 10 days and they keep all of their money,” Osteen said. “Many individual Oklahomans and families have Adjusted Gross Income of less than $52,000 per year. In fact, 70 percent of all taxpayers across the country – 95 million Americans – can take advantage of the program. To determine if your AGI is less than $52,000, check the number on the bottom of page one on last year’s return. Free File is safe, fast and easy to use. As an added bonus, taxpayers will receive a quicker refund if they submit their return electronically. Free File constantly updates software programs to ensure taxpayers receive the most up-to-date information.”

 Free File uses proprietary software that has been approved by the IRS. Federal tax returns are transmitted through the established IRS e-file system using secure technology.

“Once you submit your return, you’ll receive an email from the IRS to let you know that it was accepted or rejected,” Osteen said. “Also, each tax preparation company offering Free File must attain a third-party privacy and security certification, and comply with all federal rules and regulations on taxpayer privacy.”

 Taxpayers whose AGI exceeds $52,000 are not eligible to file taxes for free. They can still use the site but will be required to pay the tax preparation company’s standard filing fee. Individuals who need to file for an extension are still able to use Free File until mid-October 2007.

Since Free File’s debut in 2003, more than 15.4 million returns have been processed through the program. Because it is an Internet based tax preparation program, the program is not downloadable.

For more information about Free File, visit the IRS Web site at www.irs.gov.

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Oklahoma State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local Governments Cooperating: The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, or status as a veteran, and is an equal opportunity employer.

Trisha Gedon
Communications Specialist
Agricultural Communications Services
136 Printing Services Building
Stillwater, OK  74078
405-744-3625 (phone)
405-744-5739 (fax)
trisha.gedon@okstate.edu