Free software and step-by-step help available for those who qualify at www.IRS.gov/freefile

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4) today encouraged constituents to take advantage of free tax preparation services available through the Free File program. Every taxpayer with a 2013 Adjusted Gross Income of $58,000 or less may visit www.IRS.gov/freefile

to prepare, complete and e-file their federal tax returns at no cost.

“With many taxpayers still preparing their returns, I encourage those making $58,000 or less to take advantage of the free tax services available from the IRS and Free File,” said Himes. “Anyone may use Free File to file a tax return or, if necessary, submit an extension – giving themselves an extra six months to prepare and file a federal tax return.”

IRS Free File is available at www.IRS.gov/freefile

, which provides a list of Free File Alliance member companies and their free tax software offerings. Users may either choose the company that fits their needs or utilize the “Help Me Find Free File Software” tool. After selecting a company, users will be transferred to the company’s website to prepare, complete and electronically file their federal income tax returns. The service is also available in Spanish.

The Free File Alliance, a coalition of 14 industry-leading tax software companies, has partnered with the IRS since 2003 to help low and middle-income Americans prepare, complete and e-file their federal tax returns online. The Free File Alliance is committed to giving 70 percent of Americans free access to the industry’s top online tax preparation software. About 40 million returns have been filed through Free File since its inception. For more information, visit www.freefilealliance.org