Washington – Congressman Rick Crawford is encouraging constituents to take advantage of free tax preparation services available from the IRS Free File program.

Since 2003, IRS Free File has offered free access of leading commercial tax preparation software to 70% of taxpayers. Every taxpaying American with a 2010 Adjusted Gross Income of $57,000 or less can visit www.IRS.gov/freefile to prepare, complete and file their federal tax returns at no cost. The service is made available through a partnership developed by the IRS and the Free File Alliance.

“The IRS Free File program provides free access for taxpayers to easily e-file their federal income tax return at no cost,” said Crawford. “IRS Free File is available to everyone who earns $57,000 a year or less in the last year. It’s as easy as visiting IRS.gov and clicking the Free File icon. Many people will be able to get their federal refund within 10 business days.”

To e-file, taxpayers should go to www.IRS.gov/freefile. E-filers will find a listing of Free File Alliance members and can pick the member company that best fits their needs. E-filers can also use the “help me find a company” tool. After selecting a tax-prep software system, e-filers will be sent to the company’s website to prepare, complete and electronically file their federal income tax returns.