Free File preps payers for tax time

The Internal Revenue Service announces the opening of this year’s Free File program that provides free tax preparation and free electronic filing to taxpayers whose adjusted gross income is $52,000 or less. Free File is available only through the IRS web site at www.irs.gov and is a partnership between the IRS and the Free File Alliance, a group of tax preparation software companies.

“California had the largest number of users last year at over 292,000 out of the 3.9 million Free File users nationwide,’ said IRS spokesman Victor Omelczenko. “But we know that many more California households qualify to use Free File since about half of the households in the state have incomes below $52,000.”

Changes in Free File as it begins its fifth year include:

  -Taxpayers can use Free File to request the Telephone Excise Tax Refund, either the standard amount, which ranges from $30-$60, or the actual amount. Some Free File Alliance members will provide free access to Form 1040EZ-T for those people who have no legal obligation to file a tax return, but who can request the one-time telephone excise tax refund. Some alliance members also will offer free access to Form 8913 to request the actual amount.

  -Two companies will offer Free File in Spanish.

  -Participants will no longer offer refund anticipation loans (RALs) and other ancillary products.

  -Some alliance members are offering the state return for free. All alliance members’ Web sites display whether state online tax preparation and filing services are available and the associated fees, if any.

  -Taxpayers can use Free File to file a Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File.

DP



‘Making Great Melodies’ performance

The Santa Monica Public Library hosts “Making Great Melodies,” a concert of vocal music on Saturday, Jan 27. Renowned Santa Monica composer and bass vocalist David Avshalomov is joined by distinguished local artists: Mezzo-soprano Lauri D. Goldenhersh, soprano Rene Burkett, tenor Jeremy Schoenberg, with accompaniment by pianist Greg Schreiner.

This musical event will feature selections that range from oratorio and opera excerpts to sacred arias, Elizabethan madrigals, show tunes, traditional and even some folk and light popular songs, as well as a few surprises.

Tickets for auditorium seating available one hour prior to concert.

For more information, contact the Santa Monica Public Library at (310) 458-8600.

DP