For most Americans, filing taxes is a huge headache. It is a confusing process that takes a great deal of time. Many people have no idea how to go about complying with the rules or how to fill out the forms properly, especially since the rules and regulations are constantly changing. For these reasons, there are a number of free or low cost ways to get help with filing taxes.

Once such program is the IRS Free File program. The Free File program provides free federal income tax preparation and electronic filing for eligible taxpayers through a partnership between the IRS and the Free File Alliance LLC, a group of private sector tax software companies.

Free tax preparation and filing via online software is available to anyone with a 2009 Adjusted Gross Income of $57,000 or less. If that’s you, head to the IRS website and choose from a list of approved tax preparers, and get started. If you aren’t sure which preparer to use, answer a few quick questions and the Free File program will suggest some matching companies.

If you made more than $57,000, or just want to do your own taxes, Free File provides a section with blank forms you can fill out yourself. There are many different federal tax forms to choose from, and the program allows you to file your federal taxes electronically.

Filing taxes is a long tedious process, and for many Americans help beyond simply filling in forms is needed. For this reason, it is important that you consult with a tax professional if your tax return will involve significantly more than entering W-2 and bank account tax information.

But, if your adjusted gross income was $57,000 or less, and you only had employment income and bank account interest, the Free File program may be a good match for you.