Free Tax Preparation

If your Adjusted Gross Income was $52,000 or less in 2006, you can have your tax return prepared and e-filed for free, through the IRS's Free File program. So far, over 15.4 million returns have been filed through this program, and according to the IRS, 70 percent of all taxpayers – some 95 million of us – can take advantage of it this year.

The IRS joined forces with several tax software companies in 2003 to make the Free File service available to the public. While some of the companies have specific criteria of their own, the IRS makes it easy to find one that will fill your needs – including a company that will prepare and file your state tax returns for free, too! All you have to do is click here, and Uncle Sam will winnow down your choices to companies that best fit your needs.

Prefer to Eyeball Someone?
You can do that – and still get free tax preparation and filing help. For example:

• If you fall into the low-to-moderate income group (generally, $39,000 and below), you can take advantage of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA). Trained VITA volunteers are nearby and available to help you. You'll usually find them in community and neighborhood centers, but to find the location most convenient for you, call 800-829-1040.

• Are you 60 or over? The Tax Counseling for the Elderly Program (TCE) gives free tax help to people age 60 and older who are low-to-middle income. Trained volunteers from the AARP and other non-profit organizations can give you free tax counseling and basic income tax return preparation, from February 1st through April 15th. AARP alone offers this service at over 7,400 sites nationwide. Click here to find the one closest to you, or call 800-829-1040.

• If you're in the military, there's a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) available to you and your family at an office within your installation. No matter what your branch of service, you may receive free tax preparation from people who are trained to address any military-specific concerns you may have (e.g., about combat zone tax benefits). Click here for more information on free tax help for the military.

Would that getting your taxes done for free was the same as not having to pay taxes at all! No such luck, but hopefully one or another of these programs will save you some money. Let us know!

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For more information, contact the Public Information Division at (803) 734- 4190, 1- 800- 922- 1594 (toll- free in S. C.), or online at www. scconsumer. gov & click on Live Chat.