IRS wants more e-taxpayers

The Internal Revenue Service has a new goal of having 80 percent of taxpayers filing electronically by 2007, because it says e-filing is quicker and more accurate and reduces paperwork.

One reason many taxpayers had been reluctant to file their taxes electronically is because it cost them more -- until now.

The IRS recently announced a program that gives taxpayers access to free tax-preparation software though the April 15 filing deadline. The program is called Free Filing, a governmental partnership with some private tax-software companies that will allow an estimated 78 million taxpayers to file returns online for free.

There are eligibility requirements, generally based on age, income, state residency or military status. Taxpayers can fill out an online questionnaire to see if they qualify. The Web address:

www.irs.gov/app/freeFile/welcome.jsp

This seems to be a good opportunity for taxpayers to try out electronic filing. If they qualify for the free service and have a refund coming, they will be able to speed up the process considerably.

Keep in mind that taxpayers in higher income brackets won't be eligible for the Free Filing experiment. But they can still file electronically by using software they purchase. Many tax-preparation services also provide electronic filing for a fee.