Rep. Karen Boback (R-Columbia/Luzerne/Wyoming) reminds residents about a free tax preparation service available through the IRS Free File Program, which helps taxpayers who earn $57,000 or less annually.

The program, instituted in 2003, offers free assistance with tax preparation and online filing through a partnership between the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Free File Alliance, a coalition of tax software companies.

Eligible individuals who want to take advantage of the service may visit to find a list of Free File Alliance member companies. After choosing a tax software company, the participant will be transferred to an outside website through which he or she will prepare, complete and electronically file his or her federal income tax return.

Up to 70 percent of Americans are eligible for the free federal tax assistance, but the program is for federal taxes only and does not extend to Pennsylvania state income taxes.

Information about filing Pennsylvania state taxes online is available at Revenue.state.pa.us.

There are several options for individuals who wish to donate their state tax refunds to non-profit organizations.