Rep. Matsui Encourages Constituents to Use Free Online Tax Preparation & Filing Available from the IRS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, March 4, 2011

CONTACT: MARA LEE
(202) 225-7163

Rep. Matsui Encourages Constituents to Use Free Online Tax Preparation andamp; Filing Available from the IRS
Taxpayers Making $58,000 or Less Can Visit IRS.gov for Free Services

CA Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-Sacramento) encouraged constituents to take advantage of free tax preparation services available through the IRS Free File program. Since its inception in 2003, IRS Free File has offered low-to-moderate income taxpayers free access to leading commercial tax preparation software. This year, every taxpayer with a 2010 Adjusted Gross Income of $58,000 or less may visit www.IRS.gov/efile to prepare, complete and e-file their federal tax returns at no cost to the taxpayer.

The IRS Free File program will allow 100 million Americans access to free tax preparation software, so that they can easily prepare and file their taxes, said Congresswoman Matsui. I encourage all Sacramentans who earned $58,000 or less last year to visit IRS.gov and take advantage of this great new program.

To begin, taxpayers may visit the IRS website, www.IRS.gov, and click on the Free File icon. Users will find a list of Free File Alliance member companies and may either choose the one that fits their needs or utilize the Help me find a company tool. After selecting a company, taxpayers will be transferred to the company's website to prepare, complete and electronically file their federal income tax returns. Three of the 19 participating software companies also offer services in Spanish.

Congresswoman Matsui also encouraged Sacramentans to take advantage of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) if they are eligible. Anyone who earned less than $48,362 in wages in 2010 may qualify, and the credit can range from $2 to more than $5,666; depending on individual circumstances. EITC is an earned tax benefit, and workers are reminded that they must file federal income tax returns even if they are not otherwise required to file in order to claim their EITC.

Especially in these difficult economic times, everyone should be making sure that they are paying the appropriate amount of taxes and making sure they get the credits they deserve, Congresswoman Matsui added. The EITC specifically is an important increase for people who have been hit hard by the recession. Moreover, the ability for many taxpayers to file their federal return for free will help them spend their hard-earned money on helping their families make ends meet.

For information about the Earned Income Tax Credit, please click here. For more constituent services, please visit Congresswoman Matsui's website at www.matsui.house.gov.

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