Roskam, Kind Intro Permanent IRS Free File

Press Release

Today, U.S. Representatives Peter J. Roskam (R-IL) and Ron Kind (D-WI) introduced H.R. 4938, a bipartisan bill to permanently reauthorize the IRS Free File Program. Since 2008, Free File has provided over 100 million eligible taxpayers with free online individual income tax preparation and electronic tax filing services. Reps. Roskam and Kind are joined by more than 60 cosponsors, representing strong support from both Democratic and Republican lawmakers.

Rep. Roskam issued the following statement:

"The Free File program gives low- and middle-income families access to cutting-edge software technology and cybersecurity protections that only the private sector can provide, at no cost to them or the federal government. It's a common-sense solution to help millions of Americans navigate our cumbersome and confusing tax code."

Rep. Kind issued the following statement:

"The Free File program gives thousands of western and central Wisconsin families an affordable and easy option for completing and filing their taxes. By working together to offer free online tax preparation, we have saved taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars since 2003. By making this program permanent we can help hardworking families and save taxpayer money."

The Free File Program is a partnership between the IRS and the Free File Alliance, which includes 13 private sector companies that offer some of the best-known and most trusted commercial tax preparation software on the market at no cost to eligible taxpayers. The program is a consumer safety zone, meaning no marketing, cross-selling or refund anticipation loans are allowed. To date, Free File has saved taxpayers approximately $1.1 billion by making online and individual income tax preparation available to low- and middle-income families free of charge. Over 20 states and the District of Columbia have replicated the program within their own jurisdictions.

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