Through a public-private partnership called the Free File Alliance, LLC, taxpayers will now have access to free, on-line tax preparation and electronic filing services via the Internet. The agreement calls for the alliance to provide free tax preparation and filing capabilities to at least 60 percent of all taxpayers or approximately 78 million nationwide who file an individual tax return.  Each participating software company will set its own eligibility requirements. To see if you are eligible for this free service and to learn more about the Free File Alliance, visit www.revenue.ky.gov and click on the E-File logo.

For those taxpayers without in-home Internet access, a visit to your local public library can provide the access needed to determine eligibility, select a provider and complete the return. Tax forms and instructions are also available in paper form at most library locations.

“This is an incredible opportunity for Kentucky taxpayers and I appreciate Sen. Dick Roeding’s leadership in this initiative,” Finance and Administration Cabinet Secretary Robbie Rudolph said. “Sen. Roeding has been instrumental in bringing the public libraries into this partnership in Northern Kentucky and I am very grateful for his support.”

Using an e-file method to file your taxes can result in reduced tax preparation time, accuracy of returns, acknowledgement of the receipt of your return and faster refunds. Taxpayers using e-filing along with direct deposit may receive refunds in fewer than 10 days.

The Free File Alliance is the result of a November 2001 task force recommendation establishing 24 e-government initiatives to improve electronic capabilities. One initiative, EZ Tax Filing, directed the IRS to provide on-line tax return preparation and filing services. In response, the IRS began working with the tax software industry to develop a solution, which resulted in the formation of the alliance. The list of software companies that have partnered with the Kentucky Department of Revenue is available at www.revenue.ky.gov.

-30-