Press Release-Kennedy Alerts Anoka to Free Online Tax Preparation Services

Press Release-Kennedy Alerts Anoka to Free Online Tax Preparation Services

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Mark Kennedy joined Anoka County Commissioners and members of the community to alert his constituents about the Minnesota Free File Alliance, which provides free online tax preparation and filing services to thousands of Minnesota taxpayers.

"Our tax system is so complex that filing can seem like a daunting task for a lot of people," said Congressman Kennedy. "I'm pleased that so many members of the community have come together in a public-private partnership like this to share the good news of this program."

Congressman Kennedy was joined by Marlene Moulton Janssen of Rum River Library and various groups from the Anoka community, including: Alexandria House, Anoka County Community Action Program, Anoka Ramsey Community College, Faith in Action, Greater Twin Cities United Way, Metro North Adult Basic Education, Minnesota Workforce Center and RISE North.

Taxpayers who wish to use these free services do not need to own a computer. Individuals can learn more about the program by visiting www.taxes.state.mn.us from computer terminals at a local public library, school or community center, such as Rum River Library in Anoka. Also in attendance were members of the Computer and Communications Industry Association (CCIA) and Intuit Financial Freedom Foundation.

Tax Freedom Project offers free federal and state tax return preparation and filing to Minnesota taxpayers who:

--Have an Adjusted Gross Income of $28,500 or less,
--Qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), or
--Serve active duty or reserve military (with a 2005 Form W2 from the military) and have an Adjusted Gross Income of $50,000 or less.

"We are proud to donate TurboTax services to lower-income filers, working families who qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit and military personnel who are so ably serving our country," said Jim Ruda, Senior Policy Advisor of the Intuit Financial Freedom Foundation. "Our donation of TurboTax Online is our largest philanthropic initiative and we thank Congressman Kennedy for helping us bring it to his constituents."

CCIA representative David Macklin said, "Programs where the government partners with private industry bring out the best in both. They provide an opportunity to join the government's ability to supply information and promote best practices with the industry's expertise in technology and innovation. Taxpayers reap the benefits at no additional cost."

http://markkennedy.house.gov/cgi-data/press/files/632.shtml