Super Tax Day at the Superdome in New Orleans

The Louisiana Department of Revenue (LDR) is providing free electronic filing of state and federal individual income tax returns on Saturday, April 5, 2008, at the Louisiana Superdome.

This is the latest in a series of Super Tax Day events that have helped tens of thousands of low- and moderate-income taxpayers file their returns quickly, easily, and free of charge. “We are pleased to continue providing this public service for Louisiana taxpayers,” said Secretary of Revenue Cynthia Bridges.

Volunteers will provide tax-filing assistance from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. the day of the event. However, assistance is on a first-come, first-served basis, and taxpayers must arrive no later than 3:00 p.m. to ensure that they get served.

The IRS will provide additional guidance to taxpayers on issues related to federal reimbursement grants they may have received during the recovery from Hurricane Katrina.

State offers free tax preparation, reminds working families of EITC refund

The Louisiana Department of Social Services (DSS), in conjunction with the departments of Revenue and Labor, announced the opening of nearly 160 free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites across the state to provide free tax preparation to low- to moderate-income filers. The sites will be open through April 16. DSS is also urging working Louisiana families to find out if they are eligible for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).

Drew Murray, director of Solutions to Poverty at DSS, which includes asset-building programs and EITC, said each year working Louisiana families fail to claim an estimated $100 million in EITC refunds for which they qualify. In many cases, the refund can be the equivalent of a $1- to $2-an­ hour pay raise.

Murray also cautioned families against the use of so-called “rapid refunds,” which really are high-interest loans: “Please save your money. Use a free tax service,” he said.

The federal EITC is a tax benefit for low- to moderate-income working families, including some without children. People who qualify can get a refund even if no taxes were taken out of their pay during the year. Residents also can file for back refunds for previous years.

Workers should bring the following to the VITA site to assist with preparation: a photo ID, Social Security numbers and birthdates for all household members and dependents; wage/earning statement(s) (W-2, W-2g, 1099-MISC, 1099-R); interest/dividend statements (1099 forms); if available, bank routing numbers and account numbers for direct deposit; the total amount paid for day care in 2007 (if applicable); and day-care provider’s employer identification number or Social Security number.

Click here for a complete list of VITA sites throughout the state.

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.