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COMSTOCK FOR DELEGATE BLOG

Monday, April 4, 2011
DELEGATE BARBARA COMSTOCK HOSTED FREE ONLINE TAX PREPARATION PROGRAM AT McLEAN COMMUNITY CENTER

For Immediate Release:

April 4, 2011

Contact:  Elise Marsh

703-209-3787


DELEGATE BARBARA COMSTOCK HOSTED FREE ONLINE TAX PREPARATION PROGRAM AT McLEAN COMMUNITY CENTER 

Software Can Help Over 2 Million Virginia Taxpayers Claim All Possible Tax Credits and Deductions 

McLean, VA – Last week, Delegate Barbara Comstock hosted an event at the McLean Community Center featuring the new Virginia Free File Program, which enables over two million eligible Virginia taxpayers to prepare and file both their state and federal tax returns for free.

Delegate Comstock also reminded taxpayers of the April 18th deadline to file taxes this year during the press conference.  Comstock joined the Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA), the sponsor of the event at the McLean Community Center on Tuesday, March 29th. 

“Virginia Free File is a free tool to help our taxpayers file accurate state and federal returns and get all of the deductions they are entitled to,” said Comstock. “The program costs eligible taxpayers nothing to use and gives a helping hand to those who are struggling.  Free File is an example of how government and private industry can work together to help people help themselves. ” 

Virginia Free File is a public-private partnership between the Virginia Department of Taxation and several industry-leading private software companies. It enables over two million eligible Virginia taxpayers to choose between simple, state-of-the-art, online tax preparation programs – donated by these companies – to prepare both their state and federal tax returns for free.   Eligibility is different for each product; however, most state residents qualify for these services. Eligible residents include those who had an income under $58,000 AGI (adjusted gross income), who served active duty military any time in 2010 (including National Guard and Reserves), and who are eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).  If you used Virginia's old iFile system last year, you are eligible for, and should have received, a voucher from the Virginia Tax Department to use Free File this year.  If you need a voucher, you can contact Delegate Comstock’s office for assistance in getting a voucher. 

Free filing services through the Virginia Free File Program (www.tax.virginia.gov, click on VA Free File logo) are available online 24/7 through October 18, 2011. Eligible Virginia residents can use Free File services anywhere they feel comfortable using the Internet; there is nothing to download or buy. Virginia Free File is modeled after the IRS Free File Alliance (www.freefile.irs.gov) and the state is one of 21 in the country sponsoring a statewide program. 

David Macklin attended the event on behalf of event sponsor CCIA. “We are immensely grateful to Delegate Comstock for her support for educating her constituents about this program. With Free File, taxpayers benefit in a number of ways: they can choose between commercial tax software products; they can file with the assurance that their information is safe and private - companies donate the software with no strings attached. The benefits extend to government, as well. Free File is just what the name implies: free. Governments can provide online tax services to citizens at no cost to them or to taxpayers. Finally, Free File is good for the economy: it allows industry to freely compete and innovate.” 

Following the Tuesday morning press conference, community-based organization representatives participated in an hour-long tax training workshop to learn how easy it is to use these programs, share ideas, and gain access to outreach materials to inform eligible taxpayers in the community. 

 

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Paid for by Friends of Barbara Comstock.