E-File Your Taxes – For Free

Just a reminder, if you earn 57k or less and live in Virginia, you could e-file your taxes for free through the IRS Free File Alliance. Find out how.

From VirginiaFreeFile.org:

FAQs

WHAT IS IT?

The Virginia Free File program is a public-private partnership between the Virginia Department of Taxation and several industry-leading private software companies. It enables eligible Virginians to use simple, state-of-the-art online tax preparation programs – donated by these companies – to prepare both their state and federal tax returns for free. Virginia Free File is modeled after the IRS Free File Alliance. Virginia is the 21st state in the country to sponsor a local program.

WHO QUALIFIES?

Eligibility is different for each product offered through Virginia Free File, but the majority of Virginia’s residents qualify for these services, including those who had an income under $57,000 adjusted gross income (AGI), those who served active duty military any time in 2011, and those eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).

HOW DO PEOPLE FIND IT?

Virginia Free File services are available online 24/7, January 16 through October 15, 2012, at www.tax.virginia.gov. Individuals can use Virginia Free File anywhere they feel comfortable using the Internet; there is nothing to download or buy.

WHY IS THIS A GOOD THING?

There are many benefits to the Virginia Free File program:

For the government: Virginia Free File is free, no strings attached. There are no costs to the government to run this program or to taxpayers who are eligible to use the services. Electronically filed state tax returns allow the Virginia Department of Taxation to process returns and refunds faster.

For taxpayers: The software products donated through Virginia Free File take the guesswork out of determining if filers are eligible for the EITC and other important tax credits. In addition, the products automatically transfer information from the filer’s federal return to the Virginia return, saving the taxpayer time and avoiding errors that could occur when reentering information.

Virginia Free File empowers people by helping them prepare and file their own tax returns, thus giving them the incentive – and the tools – they need to control their finances. Finally, Virginia Free File is a consumer safety zone. The products do not include advertisements, cross-sells or up-sells; and refund anticipation loans are banned.

WHAT IF SOMEONE WANTS MORE HELP?

While using tax software can be as easy as using e-mail or Facebook, some people still feel better when someone is coaching them through the process. Thanks to pilot programs in communities across Virginia, filers can visit a local IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site to use one of the products available through Virginia Free File and get help from an on-site volunteer coach. These assisted self tax prep programs are sponsored by the Virginia CASH Campaign and the Intuit Financial Freedom Foundation. For more information, including locations and hours, click here.

Access Virginia Free File at www.tax.virginia.gov.