Tax day is almost upon us, and if people in St. Lawrence County haven’t filed their tax returns yet, they might be able to file state and federal returns for free online on a state web site.

People are eligible for the state and federal Free File program if they had earnings of $57,000 or less in 2011.

Because Free File is electronic, those who qualify for a refund will get it faster. Using Free File also reduces the number of errors on a tax return because the software checks and corrects common mistakes.

You don’t have to be a tax expert or computer savvy to use Free File. The commercial software companies that participate in the initiative offer user-friendly and secure online programs, according to state Department of Taxation and Finance Commissioner Thomas Mattox

“When eligible taxpayers use Free File, aimed at helping lower and moderate-income New Yorkers, they also learn about important credits and deductions they might be eligible for, such as the earned income tax credit,” Mattox said. “Here’s an opportunity to save money, and make the filing process easier.”

In order to file both federal and state personal income tax returns for free, eligible taxpayers must access Free File through the New York State Tax Department’s Web site t www.tax.ny.gov.

Taxpayers have until Tuesday, April 17 to file their personal income tax returns.

For more information, visit www.tax.ny.gov.