Options for e-filing your tax returns—safely, quickly, and easily.

Seven reasons 70% of Americans file their taxes electronically.

• Security—The IRS uses the latest encryption technology to safeguard your information.
• Faster Refunds—Get your refund in as few as 10 days with direct deposit.
• Flexible Payments—File early; pay by April 18.
• Greater Accuracy—Fewer errors mean faster processing.
• Quick Receipt—Receive an acknowledgment that your return was accepted.
• Go Green—Reduce the amount of paper used.
• It’s Free—through Free File.

Joining the 95 million Americans who already are using e-file is easy. Just ask your paid or volunteer tax preparer, use commercial software, or use Free File. IRS e-file is the safest, most secure way to transmit your tax return to the IRS. Since 1990, the IRS has processed nearly 900 million e-filed tax returns safely and securely. There’s no paper return to be lost or stolen.

If you have not e-filed before, it’s time. Ask your tax preparer, or do it yourself. Most states also use electronic filing. IRS e-file is now the norm, not the exception.

The VITA program offers free tax help for low to moderate income (under $49,000 in adjusted gross income) taxpayers who need help preparing their tax returns. The Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program provides free tax help to people age 60 and older. There are 12,000 VITA and TCE sites nationwide.

If your adjusted gross income was $58,000 or less in 2010, you can use free tax software to prepare and e-file your tax return. Earned more? Use Free File Fillable Forms.

This public-private partnership, between the IRS and tax software providers, makes approximately 20 popular commercial software products and e-file available for free. Seventy percent of the nation’s taxpayers are eligible.

Just visit www.irs.gov/freefile for details. Free File combines all the benefits of e-file and easy-to-use software at no cost. Guided questions will help ensure you get all the tax credits and deductions you are due. It’s fast, safe, and free.

You can review each provider’s eligibility rules or use an online tool to find those software products that match your situation. Some providers offer state tax return preparation either for a fee or for free. Free File also is available in English and Spanish.

The IRS offers electronic versions of IRS paper forms that also can be e-filed for free. Free File Fillable Forms is best for people experienced in preparing their own tax returns. There are no income limitations. Free File Fillable Forms does basic math calculations. It supports only federal tax forms.

IRS.gov is the gateway to all electronic services offered by the IRS, as well as the spot to download forms if you should choose to file a paper return.