IRS says relax and file electronically

The 2011 tax season doesn’t have to bring on the annual anxiety attack, according to the Internal Revenue Service.

This year, take a deep breath and then take advantage of the federal government’s Free File program.

If you make less than $58,000, companies such as TurboTax, H&R Block and TaxSlayer offer simple question-and-answer tax filing programs for free through www.irs.gov.

“It helps a lot, because it doesn’t require (people) to have tax preparation information,” but it does ensure that they get all the tax breaks offered to them, said David Williams, a senior IRS executive.

Also, filing electronically is the fastest way to receive your tax refund.

“IRS e-file is now the norm, not the exception,” IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman said in a statement.

In 2010, nearly 100 million people — 70 percent of taxpayers — used IRS e-file, according to the IRS.

Another reason not to panic: Taxpayers have three extra days to file.

Taxpayers have until April 18 to file their returns because of the way the calendar falls this year, Williams said.

For individuals or families that make an adjusted gross income of more than $58,000, the IRS offers the electronic version of its paper tax forms on its website.

It includes a calculator to avoid common filing mistakes, and it’s a secure way to e-file, Williams said.

Also Friday, the IRS said that by mid-February it will be able to process returns affected by the December tax law changes.

The IRS will be reprogramming its system to reflect the new law, which included an extension of the child tax credit, a break for families footing the bill for college tuition and other child-related expenses.

The estimated 9 million taxpayers affected must wait a few more weeks to file their returns, or they could e-file at any time through major software providers, which will hold the returns until the IRS system is updated.

For more information on e-filing, visit www.IRS.gov.

Contact the writer:

444-1304, news@owh.com

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