Treasurer pitches cost-savings of Free File tax service

by MBJ Staff

Published: February 20,2013

Tags: agency, computer, online, state government, tax, tax preparation, tax return, taxpayer, Treasurer

JACKSON — State Treasurer Lynn Fitch yesterday joined state officials and industry leaders to urge eligible Mississippians to use the Free File program to prepare and file their taxes for free.

Mississippi is one of 22 states plus the District of Columbia that sponsors a state Free File program.

“Because Free File helps taxpayers file electronically for free, the state saves significantly on the cost of processing tax returns. So not only does Free File help the working people of Mississippi who need it most, it also helps our state’s bottom line,” said Fitch.

Mississippi residents can visit www.dor.ms.gov, click on “Individual Income” then “On-Line Filing” to determine if they are eligible for Free File.

David Macklin of the Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA), the organization sponsored yesterday’s event, urged citizens to visit CCIA’s www.taxprephelp.org for step-by-step guidance on how to use Free File or to find a nearby community organization that serves as an IRS Volunteer Tax Assistance (VITA) center.