If you have yet to file your taxes, time is running out.

Not to worry – for the vast majority of taxpayers, doing so is now easier than ever, and won’t cost a dime.

Better yet, there is a key tool to help ensure each filer receives the full refund to which they are entitled.

That was the message of civic and industry leaders who gathered at the Cranston Public Library on Sockanosset Cross Road last week to tout the Free File program.

“We want to make sure the people of Rhode Island get every dollar back they’re entitled to,” said U.S. Rep. James Langevin, who organized the event.

Free File represents a partnership between the Internal Revenue Service and a number of private tax preparation companies. Generally, the program allows anyone earning $62,000 or less – approximately 70 percent of all taxpayers – to prepare and file returns free of charge. The process involves easy-to-use software.

Rhode Island is one of a number of states to have formed its own Free File program, and several of the participating companies allow for the free filing of both state and federal returns.

Langevin said the interview-style interface of the Free File software makes the process far more accessible than many standard forms.

“People get intimidated … It doesn’t have to be that way,” he said. “We want to make it as easy as possible.”

U.S. Sen. Jack Reed praised Free File as a “really important tool,” and thanked the Cranston Public Library and its director, Ed Garcia, for hosting last week’s event.

“There’s no better place to help people than a public library,” he said.

Attorney General Peter Kilmartin focused on both the importance of Free File and the need to remain vigilant against tax scams, which crop up frequently at this time of year.

Bernie McKay of the Intuit Financial Freedom Foundation echoed that sentiment. He has played an important role in the development of Free File, and stressed that it provides a secure platform for taxpayers.

“This is not a flight-by-night thing … It is consumer safe,” he said.

General Treasurer Seth Magaziner said Free File helps ensure taxpayers receive credits and deductions to which they are entitled, which in turn puts money back into the local economy.

“There are millions of dollars at stake for working Rhode Islanders,” he said. “There is no better stimulus than money in the pockets of working Rhode Islanders … You’re not only helping yourself, you’re helping the state.”

Michael Canole of the state Division of Taxation, representing Acting Tax Administrator Neena Savage, called Free File a “win-win for everybody.” He said last year, nearly 10,000 Rhode Islanders filed returns using the program.

Chris Long from the Computer & Communications Industry Association praised the state’s civic leaders for their support of Free File, and for working to spread the word about the program.

“You can have the greatest program in the world, but if no one hears about it, it doesn’t help anybody,” he said. “I’m a big believer in this program.”

McKay spoke of Free File as a way for tax preparers to give back and foster goodwill among potential customers.

“This is the way this industry gives back. We actually believe corporate industry responsibility matters,” he said.

The companies providing free state and federal turns for this year’s filing period are 1040Now, TaxACT, H&R Block, TurboTax, and OnLine Taxes. More information can be found at tax.ri.gov, taxprephelp.org, or irs.gov/freefile.