FRANKFORT, Ky.—More than one million eligible Kentucky taxpayers can now prepare and file their taxes online at no cost thanks to an alliance between the Department of Revenue (DOR), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the tax software industry. 

Through a public-private partnership called the Free File Alliance, LLC, taxpayers now have access to free, online 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 sets 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 Free File Alliance logo.
 
For those taxpayers without 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.

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 online 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 DOR is available at www.revenue.ky.gov/freefile.htm .

-30-