Hit the "send" button: The IRS announced today that it has opened up electronic filing for this year's federal tax returns.
"Taxpayers can file immediately," said IRS spokesman David Tucker. "E-file remains the best way to get fast refunds and ensure accurate tax reurns," he said.
So-called "e-filing" is increasingly the norm: in 2011, more than 112 million tax returns were e-filed, about 77 percent of all individual returns, the IRS says.
This year, it's required in many cases: Tax preparers who do at least 10 returns must electronically file their clients' returns.
Also, the IRS said its Free File programs opened up today. Taxpayers with incomes below $57,000 can use free software from major providers like TurboTax or H&R Block. Those with higher incomes can use Free File's online fillable forms, which are electronic versions of IRS paper forms. For details: www.freefile.irs.
Free tax preparation help for seniors and those with incomes below $57,000 is available through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs. To find the nearest location, call (800) 906-9887.
And note: due to a Washington, D.C., holiday this year, the state and federal tax-filing deadline has been moved two days to April 17.
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