Ready to file your taxes and watch that refund check hit your bank account? This year, the federal government promises a new era of easy, inexpensive tax preparation with free filing options from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
While the ability to use online forms to file your taxes has long been an option, most taxpayers needed guidance to navigate the slew of schedules required to prepare and file a typical tax return.
This year’s tax return process has been streamlined with options for free tax filing available either through the IRS or other programs detailed below that allow you to file taxes online for free.
Read more: Taxes: Everything you need to file your taxes on time
7 ways to do taxes online for free
Looking for a filing option that allows you to pay less to pocket a tax refund or pay the taxes you owe? Learn how you can file your taxes for free or at a reduced cost.
1. IRS Free File, for anyone who makes $84,000 or less
In partnership with the Free File Alliance, the IRS offers IRS Free File to eligible tax filers with an adjusted gross income (AGI) or taxable income of less than $84,000 in 2024. This free federal tax preparation software uses a series of simple questions to help complete your tax return. It’s best for those who aren’t itemizing expenses, don’t own a business, and don’t require extensive adjustments.
Free File also includes access to free state tax returns for some taxpayers. You can check to see if you qualify, calculate your adjusted gross income, and get access to the tax software at IRS.gov.
2. Free or trial versions of tax software
If your AGI is above $84,000 or you have other income sources that complicate your tax forms, you can find free options from popular tax brands, including H&R Block, Turbo Tax, Tax Slayer, and TaxAct Free. Like IRS Free File, these software options are best for individuals with straightforward tax filings, and they sometimes include free state tax filing.
Free versions of tax software typically allow access to Form 1040 and schedules that enable claiming the earned income tax credit (EITC) and the child tax credit. A few also support deducting student loan interest, certain types of dividends or savings account earnings, and retirement income.
Unlike some of the other offerings, be warned that TaxSlayer’s Simply Free program does have an income limit of $100,000 and requires that you not claim a dependent.
3. VITA for low-income taxpayers
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) is a program supported by a federal grant that provides free tax preparation to low- and moderate-income taxpayers. This is a community partnership that staffs sites in libraries, schools, and other convenient sites around the country with IRS-certified volunteers who provide in-person, free tax help.
There are a few eligibility requirements, including income of $67,000 or less, having a disability, or being a limited English speaker in need of tax filing assistance. You can check for a VITA site near you using the IRS locator tool.
4. Tax Counseling for the Elderly
A sister program to VITA, Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) also uses a federal grant to provide free tax preparation services to older taxpayers. Many TCE sites are run in cooperation with the nonprofit AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program.
Like other free tax filing options listed here, TCE programs are best suited to simple tax returns for those who receive a pension or have retirement-related concerns. While you typically need to be 60 or older to qualify for TCE services, some AARP sites offer tax help to low- to moderate-income filers aged 50 and up.
Read more: 3 ways retirees can save on taxes
5. MilTax for military members and veterans
Military members, their families, and some veterans may qualify to have taxes filed for free through MilTax, the Department of Defense’s free tax software offered in partnership with Military OneSource. The software is specifically geared toward concerns such as combat wages, deployment situations, multi-state filings, and housing or rental concerns.
There are no income limits to qualify, and Military OneSource offers a call center to provide on-demand personalized tax help. For military members who use the service, the software guarantees 100% accuracy, or you’ll be reimbursed $10,000.
6. Direct File
If you’re an American who resided in one of 25 states in 2024, you may be eligible to file your taxes directly with the IRS and get a quicker turnaround on your direct deposit refund through the Direct File Program.
This year, Direct File is available to taxpayers in Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
Currently, the program only supports certain types of income and deductions, so Direct File is not an option if you have self-employment income, business income, need to itemize deductions, or plan to claim certain types of tax credits like those for college tuition or education expenses, adoption, or energy efficiency upgrades.
Read more: Home office deduction: Who can claim it, and how much can you save?
7. Free filing options for everyone? Sort of.
It used to be that the IRS offered free, fillable forms online, but those have been archived and are unavailable for electronic filing this year — including ones you may have filled out last year.
The good news is that with the expansion of Direct File, you can probably find a free trial version of tax preparation software that’ll meet your needs.
Read more: Tax credit vs. tax deduction: What's the difference and which is better?
Federal tax preparation: 2023 filing vs. 2024 filing changes
In a news release in late 2024, the IRS released a list of inflation-based adjustments that will apply for the new tax season, including increases in the standard deduction and the income thresholds for marginal tax rates.
Also of note are small increases to the earned income tax credit as well as slightly more generous limits on contributions to health savings accounts (HSAs) and Medical Savings Accounts (MSAs).
Read more: Tax brackets and rates for 2024-2025
Note that for some of these free filing options, a state tax return can involve an additional fee.
Free tax filing frequently asked questions
1. How do I calculate my adjusted gross income?
Deciding which free tax filing option is best involves checking your adjusted gross income or taxable income. Fortunately, calculating your adjusted gross income for your income tax return is a fairly simple formula.
Total the income you’ll report, such as wages, dividends, and interest from savings accounts, then subtract any deductions, credits, or adjustments you’re eligible to take.
2. Do I still need to file a federal tax return if I paid estimated or self-employment taxes quarterly?
Yes. If you’re self-employed and pay estimated taxes quarterly, you still need to file a tax return with the IRS to ensure you’ve paid the right amount. Make a detailed reporting of all your sources of income from your W-2 forms, including anything you receive for services or products sold through platforms like PayPal or Venmo.
3. Do any states offer free e-file or free tax filing software?
Some states offer free tax filing assistance for both federal and state returns, usually tied to lower-income households via a partnership with a third-party tax preparation provider.
Check your state’s department of revenue website for details about any free tax prep programs you may qualify for.
4. Who qualifies for the IRS free federal filing?
The IRS free filing program is available for taxpayers with an adjusted gross income of $84,000 or less. It offers free federal tax preparation for low- to moderate-income taxpayers through IRS tax software partners, including some state filing and Spanish-speaking tax preparation assistance.
5. Is there a free way to e-file taxes?
If you’re above the income thresholds for the IRS Free File program, you may be able to use the Direct File program depending on which state you live in. The Direct File pilot program allows federal taxpayers to e-file taxes directly with the IRS but is only available in 25 states.
Some tax preparation providers are also authorized to e-file directly with the IRS. You can find a ZIP code database of these e-file providers here.
6. Which states can use IRS free tax filing for 2025?
Anyone with an adjusted gross income below the $84,000 threshold can take advantage of the IRS free filing program.
Above that income threshold, Direct File options are in 25 states for this filing season: Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
