Warning on Free File

With just a couple days to file your tax return, the last thing you need to worry about is being scammed.

The IRS recently reported the existence of tax-preparation Web sites that are inaccurately saying they're part of the agency's Free File Alliance. Allegedly, the Web sites have accepted tax information from taxpayers, changed the taxpayers’ bank account numbers to their own and then filed the return through a legitimate Free File partner. The IRS says it's assisting the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration's probe into the allegations.

So, be sure you're using the real McCoy. To prepare and file your federal taxes through a legitimate participant in Free File, go to the IRS home page and click on Free File. Only the 19 companies located on the Free File page are authorized members of the Free File Alliance. You can use any one on that list, but make sure you qualify; some have additional requirements if you want to prepare and file state taxes as well. Read "Tax prep that doesn't overtax you" for additional advice on preparing your taxes online.