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MiddletownJournal.com

Free computer programs available for filing

By MARY DALRYMPLE

The Associated Press

The Internal Revenue Service has made free tax preparation programs available to virtually every taxpayer through a partnership with software companies.

The arrangement lets taxpayers avoid the cost of buying sophisticated tax preparation software and fees charged for electronic tax filing.

More tax tips: This year's basics  Making the most of deductions   Don't-even-think-about-it deductions   Do-it-yourself tax preparation   Software to speed the process   Resources for quick help   Choosing a tax preparer  1.7 million unclaimed refunds  Recent Hank columns: Prompt filers will receive tax refunds quicker than ever  A new year calls for a new financial plan  Now's the time to assess spending, saving habits  More "Bank on Hank"

E-filing also results in faster refunds, noted Roy D. Burke, a certified public accountant in Atlanta.

"Last year refunds were coming in about three weeks, compared to about 12 weeks for paper returns," he said.

In addition, you get a written confirmation your payment was received. Errors are much rarer, Burke added, because the software checks your math and the IRS does not have to keypunch your return into its computer system.

This marks the last year, however, that taxpayers can use the telephone as a paperless filing method. The IRS plans to end the TeleFile program, available to taxpayers with simpler returns, because of shrinking demand and a tightening budget.

Taxpayers who opt to go online and use the free electronic filing program can browse 15 or more options, all tested for security and accuracy by the IRS. The IRS does not endorse any of the tax products or other services offered by participating companies.

At least three companies offer free tax preparation and electronic filing to everyone this year. Other participating companies require taxpayers to meet qualifications by age, income, military service or other factors.

"More people than ever are going to be able to use it," DuMars said.

The IRS expects half of the returns filed this year to arrive electronically, including those sent through the free filing program.

An online IRS tool can help taxpayers sift through the free programs. Taxpayers must access the programs from the IRS Web site, which directs users to the participating programs. The site is www.irs.gov.

— Staff writer Hank Ezell contributed to this article.

Read more "Bank on Hank" columns