Some private sector firms have offered free e-filing to select taxpayer groups for several years; how is this approach different?
This approach offers a multi-year agreement between the IRS and the Free File Alliance to provide free service(s) to more taxpayers. Previously, free offerings were not consistently available and were subject to modification or discontinuation from year to year. Taxpayers have easier access to the web page (hosted on irs.gov), which provides a listing of all free offerings in a single location. Free File Alliance companies offer both free preparation and e-filing services. There is no cost to qualifying taxpayers. Previously, some companies charged for preparation (filling of forms and tax calculations) while offering the transmission free, or provided the preparation free while charging for transmission, or some variation thereof. Under the Agreement, both are free to eligible taxpayers.
This approach offers a multi-year agreement between the IRS and the Free File Alliance to provide these free service(s) to more taxpayers. Previously, free offerings were not consistently available. Taxpayers will have easier access to the Free File web page (hosted on IRS.gov), which will provide a listing of all free offerings in a single location. Alliance members will offer both free preparation and e-filing services. There will be no cost to the taxpayer. Previously, some companies charged for preparation (filling of forms and tax calculations) while offering the transmission free, or provided the preparation free while charging for transmission, or some variation thereof. Under the Agreement, both are free to eligible taxpayers.
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