Ways to File Taxes for Free This Year
Tax season is almost here, and if you’re looking to save money, when it comes to your federal return, there are several ways to file for free.
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 this year.
Here is more of what you need to know.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
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 may 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.
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 is a $5,000 increase over 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 are 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 over $84,000 and you are comfortable filing your returns without guided prompts, you may 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 like 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 what you are paying for.
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 may 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 aged 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 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 are 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., may 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.
Related
-
The New Rules of RetirementPopular guidelines about how to save, invest and spend need to be updated and personalized to ensure you'll never run out of money.
-
Humanoid Robots Are About to be Put to the TestThe Kiplinger Letter Robot makers are in a full-on sprint to take over factories, warehouses and homes, but lofty visions of rapid adoption are outpacing the technology’s reality.
-
A Value Focus Clips Returns for This Mairs & Power Growth FundRough years for UnitedHealth and Fiserv have weighed on returns for one of our favorite mutual funds.
-
12 Tax Strategies Every Self-Employed Worker Needs in 2026Your Business Navigating the seas of self-employment can be rough. We've got answers to common questions so you can have smoother sailing.
-
A Free Tax Filing Option Has Disappeared for 2026: Here's What That Means for YouTax Filing Tax season officially opens on January 26. But you'll have one less way to submit your tax return for free. Here's what you need to know.
-
When Do W-2s Arrive? 2026 Deadline and 'Big Beautiful Bill' ChangesTax Deadlines Mark your calendar: Feb 2 is the big W-2 release date. Here’s the delivery scoop and what the Trump tax changes might mean for your taxes.
-
Are You Afraid of an IRS Audit? 8 Ways to Beat Tax Audit AnxietyTax Season Tax audit anxiety is like a wild beast. Here’s how you can help tame it.
-
States That Tax Social Security Benefits in 2026Retirement Tax Not all retirees who live in states that tax Social Security benefits have to pay state income taxes. Will your benefits be taxed?
-
10 Cheapest Places to Live in WashingtonProperty Tax Is Washington your go-to ski destination? These counties combine no income tax with the lowest property tax bills in the state.
-
3 Major Changes to the Charitable Deduction for 2026Tax Breaks About 144 million Americans might qualify for the 2026 universal charity deduction, while high earners face new IRS limits. Here's what to know.
-
Retirees in These 7 States Could Pay Less Property Taxes Next YearState Taxes Retirement property tax bills could be up to 65% cheaper for some older adults in 2026. Do you qualify?
