Tax Filing Time Is Here- Free Tax Filing Help

Well, with the new year comes the inevitable and rarely pleasant task of filing our income tax return for the previous year. For many of us, this means sitting with our tax preparer, buying a tax prep program, or worst of all, sitting down with a calculator and pencil and filling out paper forms ourselves.

I've located another option that might be just what you are looking for. The H&R, TaxAct, and Turbotax websites offer you the option to fill out your own taxes for free! Also, free e-filing is included. To be eligible for free federal income tax filing you need:

• Earned income in 2009 of less than $58,000
• A valid email address
• A valid Social Security Number (or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number)

Of course, these three sources want to make money, so there is a catch. Federal is free...state is not (although they show what your refund is predicted to be). That will cost you about $30 or more.

If you have a more complicated return, say for instance you have rental property or are self-employed, this option wouldn't work for you. But even then, there are other packages (for a cost of course) also available.

So if this sounds like something you would be interested in, you can find more info by going to the H&R Block, TaxAct, or TurboTax websites.

If you know of any other resources for tax filing, let the Valley know. Comment and tell us about it.