Milford State Rep. Urges Residents to File Taxes through Free Online Service

Massachusetts State Rep. John Fernandes (D-Milford) this week reached out to encourage Milford and area residents to use a free tax preparation services available through the Internal Revenue Service's Free File program. 

With the service, taxpayers with a 2013 adjusted gross income of $58,000 or less can prepare, complete and e-file their federal tax returns at no cost by visiting www.irs.gov/freefile, Fernandes said in a statement.

The system is available due to a partnership between the IRS and the Free File Alliance, a coalition of tax software companies that has offered 70 percent o taxpayers free access to commercial tax preparation software from companies who are members of the Free File Alliance. The service, which is also available in Spanish, has reportedly saved taxpayers about $1.2 billion in filing costs. 

"Since tax day is quickly approaching, I encourage taxpayers making $58,000 or less to take advantage of the free tax services available from the IRS and Free File Alliance," Fernandes said. "Anyone can use Free File to electronically file a tax return or, if necessary, submit an extension, giving themselves an extra six months to prepare and file a federal tax return."

After residents choose a company through the alliance, they will be transferred to the company's website to prepare, complete and file their federal income tax returns electronically, according to Fernandes.