IRS' Free File Service Is Now Open

Haven't done your taxes yet? You're in luck. The Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) Free File tax preparation service became operational today.

If your adjusted gross income (AGI) is $58,000 or less, you're eligible to use this free, online service. The IRS says 70 percent of taxpayers have an AGI of $58,000 or less.

The Free File Alliance, a coalition of industry-leading tax software companies that partnered with the IRS, has announced the launch of the 2011 IRS Free File program. Since its inception in 2003, IRS Free File has offered low-to-moderate income taxpayers free access to leading commercial tax preparation software. There is no charge for using this service.

"IRS Free File returns this year to proudly give 98 million Americans free access to the industry's best tax preparation software," said Tim Hugo, executive director of the Free File Alliance. "We are committed to making taxes simple, fast and free by offering step-by-step help that takes guesswork out of the process. More than 30 million people have already taken advantage of IRS Free File, and our goal this year is to serve each and every taxpayer making $58,000 or less."

Choose a software

To begin, taxpayers may visit the IRS website, and click on the "Free File" icon. 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 company, taxpayers will be transferred to the company's website to prepare, complete and electronically file their federal income tax returns. Three of the 19 participating software companies also offer services in Spanish.

VITA

This year, the Free File Alliance has also partnered with the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA), a service for low-to-moderate income taxpayers. Thanks to the new partnership, Free File Alliance member software will be available on self-assist kiosks at VITA sites in 29 states across the country.

VITA's partnership with the Free File Alliance will extend its reach and help the IRS provide expanded free tax prep services to more taxpayers who need additional assistance.

"Free File Alliance member companies have continually worked with the IRS to strengthen IRS Free File and ensure that it remains both accurate and secure," said Hugo. "Through the new VITA partnership, the Free File Alliance will be able to help the IRS serve more taxpayers than ever before."

Tracking your refund

Once you've filed your return using Free File, you can track the status of your refund online.

According to the IRS, you can generally get information about your refund 72 hours after IRS acknowledges receipt of your e-filed return, or three to four weeks after mailing a paper return. As you can see, it pays to file electronically.

You'll need to provide the following information from your tax return:

• Your Social Security Number (or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number)

• Your Filing Status

• The exact whole dollar amount of your refund