Perdue announced the service at a press conference Thursday morning in Raleigh. Free File is a partnership between the IRS and 20 state tax agencies, including the NC Department of Revenue.
For taxpayers like Jane Smith, tax season is not a time of year she looks forward to.
"There's so many changes from year-to-year it can be confusing," Smith told ABC11 Eyewitness News.
Governor Perdue says for those who qualify for the free online tax preparation and electronic filing services, the filing process will be easier.
"It's about tackling an issue we all face," Perdue said in response to Free File. "A lot of us don't really understand year-to-year."
Perdue explained how she fought hard for North Carolinians to be able to get an earned income credit but about 25 percent of taxpayers who file their taxes don't know about it. The new program will help taxpayers get all the credits they are entitled to.
Those who qualify for the free service include active duty military personnel, including National Guard and Reservists. Lower and moderate income taxpayers, students and senior also are available.
"It's hard if you're in the Guard [and] don't have a computer at home," Perdue explained. "They can sit down at the computer in a confidential space, they can save it and file. [The] bottom line is info is here for free."
The online service is especially important to military personnel who are deployed during the April 15 deadline.
Local libraries are just one of the places where taxpayers can access Free File.
NC Department of Revenue Secretary Kenneth Lay says online filing is much more accurate and allows the taxpayer to get his or her return sooner.
For more information about Free File and to determine if you are eligible, click here.
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