Ready to file your taxes and watch your refund check hit your bank account? This year, the federal government is promising a new era of easy, affordable tax filing through the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) free filing option.
While the ability to file taxes using online forms has long been an option, most taxpayers need guidance in navigating the extensive timelines required to prepare and file a typical tax return.
The tax filing process has been streamlined this year, with free filing options available through the IRS or other programs detailed below that allow you to file your taxes online for free.
Read more: Taxes: Everything you need to file your taxes on time
Looking for a filing option that allows you to get a refund or pay the tax you owe for less? Learn how to file your taxes for free or at a reduced cost.
The IRS has partnered with the Free Tax Filing Alliance to offer IRS Free Tax Filing to qualified filers with 2024 adjusted gross income (AGI) or taxable income of less than $84,000. This free federal tax filing software uses a series of simple questions to help complete your tax return. This is the best option for those who don't itemize expenses, don't own a business, and don't need to make a lot of adjustments.
Free File also includes free state tax returns for certain taxpayers. You can check if you qualify, calculate your adjusted gross income, and access tax software at IRS.gov.
If your AGI exceeds $84,000 or you have other sources of income that complicate your return, you can find free options from popular tax preparation brands, including H&R Block, Turbo Tax, Tax Slayer and TaxAct Free. Like IRS Free File, these software options are best for individuals filing directly and sometimes include free state returns.
Free versions of tax software often allow access to 1040 forms and schedules for claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Child Tax Credit. Some also support deductions for student loan interest, certain types of dividends or savings account income, and retirement income.
Unlike some other products, please note that TaxSlayer's Simply Free plan has an income limit of $100,000 and requires that you not apply for dependent benefits.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) is a federal grant-supported program that provides free tax preparation services to low- and moderate-income taxpayers. It is a community partnership with IRS-certified volunteers at libraries, schools, and other convenient locations across the country to provide on-site, free tax assistance.
There are some eligibility requirements, including having an income of $67,000 or less, having a disability or limited English proficiency and needing tax filing assistance. You can use the IRS locator tool to check for VITA sites near you.
VITA's sister program, Tax Counseling for Seniors (TCE), also uses federal grants to provide free tax preparation services to older taxpayers. Many TCE sites are operated in partnership with the nonprofit AARP Foundation Tax Assistance Program.
Like the other free tax filing options listed here, the TCE scheme is best suited for simple tax returns for those on pensions or with retirement-related questions. While you generally need to be 60 or older to qualify for TCE services, some AARP sites offer tax assistance to low- and moderate-income filers age 50 and older.
Read more: 3 Ways Retirees Can Save Taxes
Military members, their families and some veterans may be eligible to file their taxes for free through MilTax, the free tax software provided by the Department of Defense in partnership with Military OneSource. The software specifically addresses issues such as combat pay, deployment status, multi-state filings, and housing or rental issues.
There are no income limits for eligibility, and Military OneSource offers a call center to provide on-demand, personalized tax assistance. For military members who use the service, the software is guaranteed to be 100% accurate or you will be reimbursed $10,000.
If you are an American living in one of 25 states in 2024, you may be eligible to file your taxes directly with the IRS and get your direct deposit refund faster through the Direct File program.
This year, Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Direct filing is available to taxpayers in New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Currently, the program only supports certain types of income and deductions, so it's not an option if you have self-employment income, business income, need to itemize deductions, or plan to claim certain types of tax credits (such as college tuition) Direct claims or education expenses, adoption or energy efficiency upgrades.
Read more: Home office deduction: Who can claim it, and how much can you save?
The IRS has offered free, online-fillable forms in the past, but those forms have been archived and cannot be filed electronically this year — including those you may have filled out last year.
The good news is that with Direct File's expansion, you may be able to find a free trial of the tax preparation software that meets your needs.
Read more: Tax credits vs. tax deductions: What’s the difference and which one is better?
In a press release late in 2024, the IRS released a list of inflation-based adjustments applicable to the new tax season, including raising income thresholds for the standard deduction and marginal tax rates.
Also worth noting is a small increase in the earned income tax credit, as well as slightly looser limits on health savings account (HSA) and medical savings account (MSA) contributions.
Read more: 2024-2025 tax brackets and rates
Please note that for some of these free filing options, there may be additional fees for filing a state tax return.
Deciding which free tax filing option is best involves examining your adjusted gross income or taxable income. Fortunately, calculating adjusted gross income for your income tax return is a fairly simple formula.
Total the income you want to report, such as wages, dividends, and interest on savings accounts, and then subtract any deductions, credits, or adjustments for which you qualify.
Yes. If you're self-employed and pay your estimated taxes quarterly, you still need to file a tax return with the IRS to make sure you're paying the correct amount. Report all of your income sources in detail via Form W-2, including any income you receive from services or products sold through platforms like PayPal or Venmo.
Some states offer free tax filing assistance with federal and state returns, often to low-income families by working with a third-party tax preparation provider.
Check your state's tax department website for details about any free tax filing programs you may qualify for.
The IRS Free Filing Program is available to taxpayers with adjusted gross income of $84,000 or less. It provides free federal tax preparation services to low- and moderate-income taxpayers through IRS tax software partners, including some state filings and Spanish-language tax preparation assistance.
If you are above the income threshold for the IRS Free File program, you may be able to use the Direct File program, depending on which state you live. The Direct File Pilot Program allows federal taxpayers to electronically file their taxes directly with the IRS but is only available in 25 states.
Some tax preparation service providers are also authorized to electronically file taxes directly with the IRS. You can find the zip code databases for these electronic document providers here.
Anyone with an adjusted gross income below the $84,000 threshold can take advantage of the IRS free filing program.
Above this income threshold, 25 states offer direct filing options 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.