File your tax returns for free

It's called "Free File Alliance," and about half of North Carolina taxpayers are eligible.

Perdue was at the Cameron Village Regional Library in Raleigh promoting the public-private partnership Thursday morning. She said that the service is aimed at helping hundreds of thousands state residents who are lower- or moderate-income taxpayers, students, seniors or active-duty military personnel.

"Usually, I pay $50 per person, so if I join with my wife, it's $100," said Army Staff Sgt. Steve Mojica. "Due to the fact that it's free, that money was saved in my pocket this time, so that helped out a lot."

There is also a "Low Cost" electronic filing program for individuals who don't qualify for the free program.