If you are looking for an easy and inexpensive way to prepare your tax return, you have three options.

The first option is to prepare your own tax return using a computer tax program.

“There are tax software programs that are inexpensive and very consumer friendly,” says Debra Pankow, North Dakota State University Extension Service family economics specialist.

The second option is free electronic tax preparation through Free File on the Internal Revenue Service Web site at http://www.irs.gov. Twenty software companies have partnered with the IRS to offer free online tax preparation to taxpayers with income less than $57,000. However, some companies charge a fee for preparing state tax returns.

If you are not sure about how to file federal and state taxes, the third option is to visit a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance site. Volunteers are available at community sites to help you file your taxes. To find the nearest VITA site, call (800) 906-9887 toll free or go to http://www.nd.gov/tax/indincome/pubs/2010-tce-sites.pdf for locations in North Dakota.

“All three options are simple, easy, and fast,” Pankow says. “Choose the one right for you, and don't forget to file this year before April 15.”

NDSU Agriculture Communication