Ways to File Taxes for Free in 2026

the word taxes pinned on a bulletin board — (Image credit: Getty Images)

Tax Day (April 15) is still months away, though this tax season, the IRS will likely issue billions in refunds to tens of millions of filers.

If you want to file your taxes for free, several options exist, though the IRS Direct File program, which was offered in more than 20 states last year, has been shuttered by the IRS and is not available.

Here's more of what you need to know.

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Free tax filing options

Note: Your income, age in some cases, and the complexity of your federal income tax return are some factors that determine which free tax-filing options you can use and which are best for you.

Additionally, no matter the service you select, various eligibility criteria might make you ineligible to use the free versions of certain products and services.

This list is not all-inclusive, meaning it only mentions some free tax-filing options available.

the letters in the word taxes pinned to a bulletin board

IRS Free File remains an option for some

IRS Free File is an established online option that allows some people to file for free. People with income within a specific limit can use the system to file their federal income tax returns using free electronic guided tax software.

Not many taxpayers eligible for Free File have used it in the past, but last year, the IRS indicated that 10% more people opted for the program.

The program connects taxpayers with the agency’s trusted tax-prep partners.
You can use IRS Free File this year if your adjusted gross income (AGI) is $84,000 or less.
That's a $5,000 increase above last year’s income limit for the service.
Free File opened January 9, 2026.

The IRS Free File program operates with tax preparation providers and has various eligibility rules and products. It opened January 9 and typically remains open through mid-October (15th).

If you're interested in Free File, visit the IRS Free File site. Follow the online lookup tool prompts to find the right product for you.

IRS Free File Fillable Forms

What about IRS Free Fillable Forms? Another product available through the IRS is Free Fillable Forms. If your AGI is above $84,000 and you're comfortable filing your returns without guided prompts, you might want to consider this program.

However, when Free File Fillable Forms closes for the tax season in October 2026, the IRS says you won’t be able to access your account to e-file, print, or review your information.

Tax prep online: H&R Block Free, TurboTax-Free Edition, TaxAct Free, etc.

Tax preparation providers such as H&R Block, Intuit TurboTax, TaxAct, Cash App Taxes, FreeTaxUSA, Tax Slayer, etc., offer services including online tax filing.

In some cases, if you meet specific criteria, you can use a product version that allows you to file your federal income taxes for free.

However, read the fine print (the details and disclaimers explaining who is or isn't eligible for free filing).

As Kiplinger has reported, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) previously filed legal complaints against Intuit, maker of TurboTax, and H&R Block for allegedly misleading taxpayers into paying for tax prep they thought would be free. Intuit appealed the findings, but the allegations underscore the importance of knowing for what you are paying.

Note: H&R Block was ordered last year to pay a hefty $7 million fine.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)

If you make $67,000 or less, have a disability, or speak limited English, you might be eligible for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance offered in community centers, libraries, malls, and similar locations.

You can locate VITA sites and other important information about the program by visiting the IRS website or calling 800-906-9887.

Free tax filing for older adults: TCE

The IRS offers tax counseling for people age 60 and older. That counseling program, known as TCE or Tax Counseling for the Elderly, operates in partnership with the AARP Foundation’s Tax-Aide program and utilizes IRS-certified volunteers specializing in pensions and other retirement-related concerns unique to older adults.

The IRS provides an online lookup tool to find a TCE provider.

MilTax: Free online tax help for the military

MilTax is a program backed by the U.S. Department of War (formerly the Department of Defense) that assists U.S. military members, their families, survivors and some Veterans.

The program offers free tax software and personalized tax help from trained consultants. It’s designed to specifically address the unique tax concerns of the military community. MilTax allows you to file a federal return and up to three state returns for free.

To see if you're eligible, visit the MilTax services website through Military OneSource. Additionally, some of the previously mentioned tax software providers, for example, Tax Act, TurboTax, H&R Block, etc., might offer free federal tax filing options to eligible U.S. military members.

Last day to file taxes

Tax Day is April 15, 2026. That is the last day to file your 2025 federal income tax return unless you apply for an extension with the IRS (by April 15) or the IRS has granted an extended deadline due to storms or other natural disasters in your area.

Note: April 15 is also the last day you can contribute to an IRA or health savings account (HSA) for 2025 unless you have an IRS tax deadline extension.

Kelley R. Taylor is the senior tax editor at Kiplinger.com, where she breaks down federal and state tax rules and news to help readers navigate their finances with confidence. A corporate attorney and business journalist with more than 20 years of experience, Kelley has helped taxpayers make sense of shifting U.S. tax law and policy from the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), to SECURE 2.0, the Inflation Reduction Act, and most recently, the 2025 “Big, Beautiful Bill.” She has covered issues ranging from partnerships, carried interest, compensation and benefits, and tax‑exempt organizations to RMDs, capital gains taxes, and energy tax credits. Her award‑winning work has been featured in numerous national and specialty publications.