Free tax prep program allows Virginia residents to save at tax time

Today, Congressman Goodlatte (VA-Sixth District) urged eligible Virginia residents to use the IRS and Virginia Free File programs to save money at tax time. In general, people earning $60,000 or less – 70 percent of all taxpayers – are eligible to use name-brand tax preparation software products to prepare and file their return online for free. The Virginia Department of Taxation also offers Free Fillable Forms, which has no limitations for income, age, or location to prepare your tax return.

Rep. Goodlatte attended a Free File briefing at Massanutten Regional Library to demonstrate the program’s ease of use and other advantages.

Free File is a public-private partnership between the Internal Revenue Service and tax preparation software companies that not only provides free tax preparation assistance to eligible filers, but also comes at no cost to the government. All of the software made available through the Free File program uses a simple, interview-style format to help taxpayers identify all the credits and deductions for which they are eligible.

Virginia is one of 20 states plus the District of Columbia that sponsor a State Free File program, allowing eligible residents to easily and accurately complete both their federal and state taxes with the trusted name-brand tax preparation software products of their choice.

“Today we are seeing a great example of how the private sector, community organizations, and government all play a role in helping Virginia families save more of their money during tax season,” said Rep. Goodlatte. “This program, provided without cost to the government, also takes the confusion out of tax preparation and keeps money in the pockets of the people who need it most.”

“These software products make the annual filing process quick and easy. Our hope is that every eligible person takes advantage of Free File and gets every credit and deduction they deserve this tax season,” said Chris Long of the Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA), the organization sponsoring today’s event.

Following the briefing, community leaders participated in a demonstration to gain first-hand experience with Free File.

To access the Virginia Free File program, visit www.tax.virginia.gov/content/efile. For the IRS Free File program, visit www.irs.gov/freefile. More information about Free File and this event is also available at CCIA’s Free File website, www.taxprephelp.org.