tennesseans use irs free file in record numbers

The IRS noted a nearly 29-percent increase in the number of returns filed through Free File, the agency’s no-cost online filing program.  The agency also noted a nearly 21-percent increase in the number of returns Tennesseans e-filed from their own computers using both Free File and purchased software. 

“Tennesseans definitely caught on to Free File this year,” said IRS spokesman Dan Boone. “E-filing is fast, easy and secure, and with Free File, there’s no cost.”

Free File can be used to file normal tax returns or economic stimulus payment returns and is available to any filer whose 2007 income was $54,000 or less.  E-filing in general is available through Oct. 15.

Through April 17, Tennessee taxpayers e-filed 584,862 returns from their own computers, compared to 485,248 by the same time last year, a 20.5-percent increase.  The number of filers using Free File from their own computers jumped from 96,562 in 2007 to 124,163 this year, a 28.6-percent increase.

So far, Tennesseans have e-filed a total of 1,824,010 returns either through a tax preparer or their own computers. That is a 12.1-percent increase over last year.

Nationwide, the IRS saw an 11.8-percent overall increase in e-filing, a 19-percent increase in filing from home computers and a 21-percent increase in use of Free File.

Last year about 63 percent of all returns filed from Tennessee were e-filed.  The IRS projects a total of 2,738,600 returns (paper and electronic) to be filed in Tennessee this year and already about 66 percent of that projected number have been e-filed.

E-filing offers taxpayers a fast, easy, safe way to file, plus it virtually eliminates errors. Taxpayers who e-file also get confirmation that their return has been received by the IRS.

Filers who combine e-file with direct deposit usually have their refunds back in about 10 days.

This is the sixth year that the IRS and the Free File Alliance have offered Free File, while IRS e-file is in its 22^nd year.