WASHINGTON  - The Internal Revenue Service and Free File Alliance today announced the launch of Free File with many changes and updates for 2016, including more free state tax return options and easier Form W-2 imports.

For 2016, there are 13 brand-name tax software providers making their federal tax return products available for free. Taxpayers whose adjusted gross income was $62,000 or less during 2015 are eligible for at least one, if not more, of the 13 tax software products. The income limitation is $2,000 higher than last year. People can use Free File software immediately but e-filed returns will not be transmitted to the IRS until Tuesday, Jan. 19, when the filing season officially begins.

For taxpayers who earned more than $62,000, there's Free File Fillable Forms, the electronic version of IRS paper forms.  Free File Fillable Forms will be available on Jan. 19.  "You don't have to be an expert on taxes. Free File software can help walk you through the steps and help you get it right," said John A. Koskinen, IRS Commissioner. "For 13 years, this partnership between the IRS and the Free File Alliance has helped taxpayers. The real winner in this partnership has been the nation's taxpayers."