Tax software firms back bill that would make free online filing program permanent

WASHINGTON – Just in time for Tax Day, House lawmakers this week will unveil a plan that would make permanent an Internal Revenue Service program that provides free online tax preparation for low- and middle-income Americans.

It’s the kind of effort that consumer advocates would cheer, in theory. But privacy and other concerns surrounding the 13-year-old Free File program have winnowed the list of supporters and ceded the lobbying push to such companies as TurboTax maker Intuit and H&R Block that provide the software and electronic ­filing services at no cost.

http://www.startribune.com/tax-software-firms-back-bill-that-would-make-free-online-filing-program-permanent/375343041/