Walden, in Bend, urges use of free tax-prep programs

With the April 15 th tax filing deadline quickly approaching, Rep. Greg Walden, R-Ore., on Monday urged eligible Oregonians to use the IRS and Oregon Free File programs to save money at tax time. The briefing also highlighted free tax services provided by AARP Tax-Aide and CASH Oregon.

Free File is a public-private partnership between the Internal Revenue Service and tax preparation software companies.

Oregon is one of 20 states plus the District of Columbia that have formed state Free File programs, enabling eligible taxpayers to file both their federal and state tax return online for free.

In general, people with an income of $60,000 or less can use Free File’s brand name tax preparation software to prepare and file their taxes for free.

“I’ve long supported a continuation of the Free File program because it is a good example of government partnering with the private sector to provide an efficient solution for taxpayers,” said Rep. Walden.

“The free tax services offered by Free File, The United Way and other local organizations help simplify our complicated tax code and take the stress out of tax season for many people across central Oregon.”

“These software products make the annual filing process quick and easy. Our hope is that every eligible person takes advantage of Free File or AARP Tax-Aide and gets every credit and deduction they deserve this tax season,” said David Macklin of the Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA), the organization sponsoring Monday’s event.

Following the briefing, community leaders participated in a demonstration to gain first-hand experience with Free File.

To access the OR Free File program, visit the Oregon Department of Revenue, www.oregon.gov/dor and search for “OR Free File” or CCIA’s Free File website, www.taxprephelp.org. For more information about CASH Oregon, visit www.cashoregon.org.