Intuit Offers Free Web-Based Tax Help for Low-Income Filers

The economics of the Internet mean that up to 50 million people could get free tax preparation help from Intuit Inc., developer of Quicken and TurboTax software.

Taxpayers with adjusted gross incomes under $20,000 can prepare and file their returns for free at https://www.quicken.com/freedom. Others using the Internet-based software pay $9.95 each for simple federal and state returns and $19.95 each for more complex returns.

Incremental costs to Intuit are expected to be minimal. Once the software has been created and set up on the site, there’s little additional cost for downloads.

“The Internet allows us to do this sort of thing on a much, much greater scale than we’ve ever done before,” Intuit Chief Executive Bill Harris said.

Harris said low-income filers without an Internet connection can get free access at many public libraries. The company is also working with schools and universities to publicize the program.

For the computer-phobic or those who want more hands-on help, the IRS and the state Franchise Tax Board offer free tax preparation help for low-income and elderly tax preparers. For appointments, call (800) 829-1040.