Tax Filing Season Starts Today

Tax filing season officially starts today.

The Internal Revenue Service said it will begin accepting returns filed electronically or otherwise today.

In addition, the IRS said “Free File” is now available for taxpayers on the agency’s website, www.irs.gov.

IRS Spokesman Mark Green said “Free File” is an available electronic filing option for those who made less than $60,000 last year.

“These are generally individuals who would have utilized a free product to save themselves some time (and) money, and of course, they have the opportunity to prepare their return from the comfort of their home,” said Green. “In some cases, people have even used their smart phone to prepare their tax return.”

Green said that “Free File” will also assist taxpayers with their tax returns as it relates to the Affordable Care Act and health insurance.

“It automatically prompts you to questions and the answers that you need by choosing electronic filing,” said Green. “(For) most individuals here in Georgia, it is just a matter of a checked box as to whether you have health insurance or you do not. If those individuals do not have health individuals, electronic filing will guide you to the proper resources, as far as the proper information you need to complete your tax return.”

The IRS said more than 43 million people have used “Free File” since 2003.

“Free File” will be available through October and taxpayers have the option to prepare their return at any time and schedule a tax payment as late as the April 15 deadline.

Meanwhile, taxpayers who cannot meet the April 15 tax filing deadline can also use “Free File” to file a six-month extension.

For those who made more than $60,000, the IRS offers Free File Fillable Forms, which are the electronic version of IRS paper forms.

As for those who have someone else do their taxes, Green said those people need to watch out for scams and choose their tax preparer wisely.

“Unfortunately, we have seen an uptick in unscrupulous tax preparers who are using your information to submit fraudulent tax returns and identity theft,” said Green. “Choose one who is credible, knowledgeable, accountable, and has a Preparer Tax Identification Number.”

Green said the IRS also has a tax preparer database on the agency’s website.

For that and more tax-related information, go online to www.irs.gov or call the IRS toll-free at 1-800-829-1040.