The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced an agreement with Free File, Inc. (FFI) designed to make tax season a little easier.
Taxpayers earning less than $69,000 a year have the option of filing their taxes for free. Unfortunately, many tax preparation companies hide their free options, making it difficult for customers to find them.
“This updated agreement is part of a larger effort by the IRS to help taxpayers meet their tax obligations,” said Chuck Rettig, IRS Commissioner. “It continues to show the partnership we enjoy with the Free File partners and the commitment we both share in helping taxpayers since the program’s creation 18 years ago. The improved process will make Free File stronger and give taxpayers another reason to consider this valuable software option.”
“The IRS and FFI will also continue to work together to identify and explore ways to better help low- to moderate-income taxpayers and to pursue meaningful opportunities to enhance taxpayer awareness and use of the Free File Program beyond the 2020 filing season,” Rettig continued.
As part of the agreement, Free File partners will not obscure their Free File options from search results, as Intuit has been accused of doing in the past. As part of the agreement, the IRS will begin offering its own Free File alternatives, something it was previously prohibited from doing.
