Most Taxpayers Eligible to File Their Taxes Online for Free

For the sixth straight year, eligible taxpayers can use Free File to prepare and file their federal income tax returns electronically without charges. There are no hidden fees. This program was developed by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in partnership with the Free File Alliance LLC, a group of industry leading private-sector tax preparation companies.

Seven out of 10 taxpayers — 97 million filers — qualify for Free File. Taxpayers must have an adjusted gross income of $54,000 or less to be eligible.

"Free File gives taxpayers an opportunity to use private-sector tax preparation programs for free," said Acting Commissioner Linda E. Stiff. "The IRS encourages taxpayers to take advantage of this valuable program from the IRS and the Free File Alliance."

The only way taxpayers can access the authentic IRS Free File program is through the IRS Web site. That includes both new and repeat users. Otherwise, the e-file provider might charge them a fee. Also, having taxpayers type www.irs.gov in their
browser is the only way to ensure they are accessing the legitimate IRS Free
File program.

Nearly 3.9 million taxpayers used Free File last year. Free File debuted in 2003 with nearly 2.8 million users.