IRS, software manufacturers to announce free tax preparation program

The Internal Revenue Service and electronic tax software manufacturers will announce a new program to help low- and moderate income taxpayers prepare and file their federal tax returns electronically for free.

The Computer & Communications Industry Association will announce the new partnership, the Free File Alliance, at a 11:30 a.m. Friday news conference at the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy, 1201 West Lake Mead Blvd.

The news conference will be followed by a training session to train community groups how to use electronic filing programs and how to gain access to materials to help educate the public on who is eligible for the free e-filing assistance.

Thousands of Nevada residents should be eligible for the assistance, according to a spokesperson for Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., who will be guest speaker at the news conference.