Tax season is once again upon us and for many Iowans, the process of filing taxes is a daunting one.  Iowans in need of assistance may be able to take advantage of free or reduced-price tax preparation services.  Please keep reading to learn more.

What are the advantages of the IRS Free File Program?

In addition to the cost savings, this online program walks taxpayers through the filing process to make filing your taxes simple and fast.  Sending tax forms electronically reduces the chance that important documents are lost in the mail and in many cases, could mean Iowans receive a return faster. With computer filing through the IRS or the Iowa Department of Revenue, in comparison to privatized firms, refunds usually come far faster, and with no fee.  Free File Alliance member companies have continually worked with the IRS to strengthen IRS Free File and ensure that it remains both accurate and secure.

Who is eligible?

This year, all taxpayers with a 2013 adjusted gross income of $58,000 or less may use IRS Free File to prepare, complete, and e-file their federal tax returns at no cost.

How do I use the Free File Program?

To begin, you must visit www.IRS.gov/freefile. Users will find a list of free file alliance member companies and may either choose the one that fits their needs or utilize the "help me find a company" tool.  After selecting a company, taxpayers will be transferred to the company's website to prepare, complete and electronically file their federal income tax returns.

Are other free resources available?

The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide offers free filing assistance for low-to-moderate income taxpayers age 50 and older.  This service is available online at www.aarp.org/taxaide or by visiting one of the AARP Foundation assistance centers in Iowa. In addition, the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) Programs offer free tax help for taxpayers who qualify. There are several IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers in Iowa, including in Cedar Rapids and Des Moines. Locations can be found at http://www.irs.gov/uac/Contact-My-Local-Office-in-Iowa.

What about my Iowa income taxes?

There is a similar program for State of Iowa income taxes that can be found at http://www.iowa.gov/tax/.

For more information on filing your federal taxes, visit www.freefilealliance.org or  http://www.aarp.org/money/. You can also visit Senator Harkin's website at  http://harkin.senate.gov/, or follow him on Facebook  http://www.facebook.com/ and Twitter  https://twitter.com/.

A PDF version of this article is available here.

Flooding Issues Anticipated from Snow Melt; Motorists Encouraged to Use Extreme Caution

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today announced coordinated measures being taken by Illinois state agencies to prepare for heavy snow and rainfall, along with potential flooding and treacherous driving conditions in areas throughout the state. Today's announcement is part of Governor Quinn's commitment to keeping all Illinois residents safe this winter.

"As Illinois experiences another round of extreme weather, state of Illinois personnel and emergency crews are working around the clock to help keep people safe in these dangerous conditions," Governor Quinn said. "I urge everyone to use caution and stay alert while outdoors and to only travel if absolutely necessary."

National Weather Service forecasters predict the arrival of a strong cold front accompanied by strong winds with gusts over 50 mph, creating potential for whiteout conditions and debris on roadways. Flooding on pavements is also a concern with the combination of warm temperatures, melting snow, added rain, frozen surfaces and the anticipated temperature drop.

Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) crews are working to continually clear storm drains and are on standby to address the removal of snow and ice as needed from state routes to help ensure the safety of the motoring public.

Currently, all state routes are open. The Kampsville and Brussels Ferries remain closed due to ice on the river. IDOT will continue to monitor the weather statewide and respond accordingly. IDOT advises travelers to weigh the conditions carefully before venturing onto roadways during the storm.

"This unprecedented streak of winter weather continues to wreak havoc on Illinois, but travelers can be assured that IDOT crews will continue to work around the clock, as needed, to address flooding issues and to clear snow and ice," IDOT Secretary Ann L. Schneider said. "We also ask that the public continue to heed our advice to stay off the roads if possible during storms, and to drive sensibly to help avoid crashes, which often are caused by driving too fast for conditions or following too closely. Our goal is to help everyone get to their destinations safely and work towards zero fatalities on Illinois roadways."

The Illinois Tollway has cleared storm drains and is patrolling its 286-mile system to ensure crews can quickly respond if any flooding issues arise in low-lying areas.

"For their own safety, drivers should avoid traveling through standing water," Illinois Tollway Executive Director Kristi Lafleur said. "We urge our customers to travel cautiously and to dial *999 on a cellphone to report any flooding they may see on our roadways."

The Illinois State Police (ISP) statewide will be monitoring road conditions and are advising motorists to use caution when driving. Depending on the weather conditions, motorists can expect ramp closures and re-routes. ISP will be working closely with IDOT and other agency partners to provide assistance to stranded motorists and updated information on any hazardous driving conditions. Motorists should expect delays and lengthy commutes.

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) is maintaining close contact with the National Weather Service and local emergency management agencies across the state to stay abreast of any flooding issues. If assistance to communities is needed, IEMA can quickly summon liaisons from more than a dozen state agencies to the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) to coordinate the deployment of state resources and personnel.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is collecting river stage and precipitation information, and reviewing river forecasts and precipitation forecasts issued by the National Weather Service in order to make informed situational reports to the IEMA. IDNR is providing field observations to IEMA to help assess the extent and severity of a flood emergency.

The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) warns residents about the dangers of electrocution, carbon monoxide poison and gas leaks in flooded basements. With the flooding alert caused by the melted snow followed by heavy rain today, residents with basements or living in units below ground level should unplug any electric appliances and bring them above floor level. In addition, furnaces, water heaters and boilers should be inspected and monitored during the flood alert as a precaution to prevent the possibility of carbon monoxide leaks and gas leaks.

Electric shocks and electrocution are a common flood danger caused by contact with energized electrical equipment. The OSFM recommends people avoid entering a flooded area if the power has not been shut off. It also warns the public to stay away from downed power lines or other electrical equipment, especially if they are wet or standing in water.

The Governor also announced the State Incident Report Center (SIRC) is active today to coordinate the state's response to floods and will be in communication with other state agencies including ISP, IDOT, IDNR, the Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS), the Illinois National Guard (ILNG) and the Red Cross.

Drivers are reminded to exercise caution when snow and ice or flooding affect roadways, and IDOT advises travel only when absolutely necessary during storms or when temperatures are extremely low. Due to current weather conditions, IDOT encourages motorists who must travel to check the latest winter road conditions and road closures at gettingaroundillinois.com.

During severely cold weather, the Illinois Department of Human Services advises that Illinois residents limit exposure to cold temperatures, dress in layers, check in on others who may need additional assistance, keep vehicles in good repair and bring pets indoors. For a list of warming centers in Illinois, visit KeepWarm.Illinois.gov.

Flooding-related driving tips:

• Do not drive through flooded areas.
• If a road covered by water seems shallow enough to cross, do not attempt to do so.
• If your car stalls, do not attempt to push it out; seek higher ground.

Safety tips to remember:

• Allow extra time for travel during the winter months.
• Don't crowd the plow - a snow plow operator's field of vision is restricted. You may see them, but they may not see you.
• Be aware that black ice can form on roads that appear clear and the unseen ice can be treacherous. Take it slow when approaching intersections, off-ramps, bridges and shady areas - all are prone to black ice, which is often invisible.
• Always keep your gas tank at least two-thirds full to help prevent the vehicle's fuel line from freezing.
• Do not travel during bad weather unless absolutely necessary - if you do have to make a trip, check the forecast and make sure someone is aware of your travel route and schedule.
• Always carry an emergency car care kit that contains jumper cables, flares or reflectors, windshield washer fluid, a small ice scraper, traction material, blankets, non-perishable food and a first aid kit.
• Carry a few extra blankets in your car, and perhaps an extra coat to ensure protection in case of a breakdown.
• Carry a cell phone and dial *999 for roadway assistance in case of emergency (but remember using handheld phones while driving is illegal if it is not an emergency situation).
• Always wear a seat belt, front seat or back - it's the law.
• Check travel and road conditions routinely before any trip. You can get road condition information by calling 1-800-452-IDOT (4368), Illinois Tollway information by calling 1-800-TOLL-FYI or online at gettingaroundillinois.com and click on the "winter road conditions" icon.

DAVENPORT, IA -  River Bend Foodbank Chairman of the Board John Weber and Treasurer Dale Baraks welcomed several new members to the organization's board of directors, filling vacancies created through the death and attrition of several long-term board members, many who began their service at the inception of  the River Bend Food Reservoir in 1982.  Weber is a deacon at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Bettendorf, IA, and Baraks is a retired Senior Vice President and Director of Southeast National Bank, Moline, IL

"Under the leadership of Tom Laughlin, the River Bend Foodbank has led the way in providing food to those in need in our region for more than 30 years," said Weber.  "Dale and I were a part of small, dedicated group that helped Tom and his staff with that mission.  To continue that support to the organization, over the past few months, we have actively recruited several new members and are proud to welcome them to the board."

New board members include :

Patricia Huber - Patricia Huber currently serves as the Deputy to the Commander for the Joint Munitions Command, making her the senior civilian employed in this Rock Island Arsenal-based facility charged with the production, storage, issue and demilitarization of conventional ammunition for all U.S. military services.  She has more than 30 years of increasingly responsible positions, mostly involving munitions, and has been recognized on many occasions for her work, including receiving the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) Iowa-Illinois Chapter's Lawrence Skibbie Award for Lifetime Contributions to the National Defense.

Chad Lewis - Robert W. Baird & Co. Financial Advisor and Private Wealth Manager Chad Lewis has more than 12 years of investment, banking and auditing experience and has led the formation and operations of a family office.  He is the current treasurer of the Riverboat Development Authority and also serves on the Boards of Directors for The Putnam Museum and Scott County Kids.  Lewis connects with his children's activities through coaching soccer and participating in Boy Scout Activities.

Janet Mathis - Renew Moline Executive Director Janet Mathis has nearly 25 years of experience in management, economic development, public relations and public policy honed in the not-for-profit, governmental and private sectors.  She is currently the Vice President of the Board of Directors of the Center for Youth and Family Solutions; the past Chairman of the Board for the Illinois Development Council; and involved in many other boards and volunteer activities, including the Small Business Development Center Advisory Committee and the Council of Development Finance Agencies Illinois Roundtable.

Matthew O'Brien -  Deere and Company Parts Distribution Center Accounting Manager Matt O'Brien is a Certified Public Accountant that has been with Deere since 2001.  With former experience gained at Deloitte & Touche and Alleman High School, O'Brien has knowledge in auditing, accounting, bookkeeping, marketing and fundraising.  He is active in the United Way, Junior Achievement and serves as Treasurer for the Bettendorf Soccer Association.

Kevin O'Hara - Kevin O'Hara has been employed in the insurance industry with Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services, formerly Cleaveland Insurance, in Rock Island for more than 35 years. He works specifically with larger commercial clients on conventionally insured property, liability, automobile and workers compensation programs or specially constructed programs like ones which require high deductibles or captives.  O'Hara currently also serves on the boards of Black Hawk College Foundation, the Development Authority of Rock Island and the Scott County Regional Authority.

Tony Riordan - Center for Youth and Family Solutions (CYFS) Chief Operating Officer Tony Riordan has spent his career serving families and children in need as a counselor, therapist and social agency administrator.  In 2011, he was integral to the formation of CYFS, a new independent, human service agency, committed to welcoming and serving everyone.  The intent to provide a seamless transition of critical social services from their former home at Catholic Charities was realized by this new organization in 2012 when its staff of 400 served an area covering 37 counties and more than 20,000 clients.

In 2013, the River Bend Foodbank collected, stored and redistributed nearly 8 million pounds of food to more than 300 charities which serve people in need.  These non-profits include food pantries, soup kitchens and those that manage programs that assist and low-income children and elderly.  The Foodbank serves 17 counties in Illinois and 5 in Iowa.