A Free Tax Filing Option Has Disappeared for 2026: Here's What That Means for You
Tax season officially opens on January 26. But you'll have one less way to file taxes for free this year. Here's what you need to know.
If you were counting on filing your 2025 taxes directly with the IRS for free, you’ll have to change your plans.
That's because IRS Direct File, a program launched two tax seasons ago, was ended by the U.S. Treasury Department late last year despite the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) and a majority of taxpayers who utilized the service hailing the two-year pilot program a success.
According to a report to Congress, the Treasury Department said that Direct File had a low participation rate (fewer than 0.5% of the 146 million tax returns filed in 2025). The Treasury also pointed to the program’s cost (about $138 per return through Direct File) as being relatively high compared to other IRS free tax filing options.
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So, the Treasury and IRS eliminated Direct File and it is not available for the 2026 filing season. But thankfully, some other free tax filing options are alive and well. Here's more to know.
Does Direct File Still Exist? Can you still file directly with the IRS for free in 2026?
The Treasury Department report issued last November on IRS Direct File concluded that the tax agency should focus on other priorities, like enhancing and expanding its longstanding Free File program.
As Kiplinger has reported, Direct File has been a lightning rod for controversy since its pilot launch during the Biden administration.
- The program came about after the IRS found that 70% of taxpayers surveyed expressed interest in a free IRS-provided tool for preparing and filing taxes.
- At the time, IRS data revealed that people spent an average of about $250 to prepare their taxes.
- The IRS-run tax prep and filing service was supposed to be available to a wider range of taxpayers with generally uncomplicated returns and incomes up to around $200,000.
The IRS initially touted the program as easy or easier to use than traditional tax prep software, while still being electronic and free.
Still, tax preparation companies, including H&R Block and Intuit TurboTax, opposed the IRS getting into the tax preparation business and lobbied against the idea for years.
And, the Republican-led U.S. House Ways and Means Committee, which has oversight over the IRS, has argued that the IRS lacked explicit congressional authorization to make the Direct File program permanent.
So, Direct File is not available for the 2026 tax filing season. (This change primarily affects taxpayers with simple returns who were eligible for Direct File.)
But…despite the end of the program, the tax agency still offers other longstanding free file options for some taxpayers.
How to file your taxes for free with the IRS in
Launched more than 20 years ago, IRS Free File allows eligible taxpayers to use guided software to file their tax returns with IRS "trusted tax prep service partners" at no charge.
Taxpayers whose adjusted gross incomes (AGI) are $89,000 or less are eligible to use Free File.
Note: You can browse the IRS’s eight trusted partners for the 2026 season on the IRS Free File website. However, partner Free File portals can only be accessed from the IRS website. If you go directly to a partner’s general commercial website, you won't see the Free File portal.
Also, be attentive to the partners’ Free File eligibility rules, as those vary:
- Some have age restrictions.
- Several partners have income floor and ceiling limits.
- Some limit free filing availability to taxpayers with relatively simple returns. That means returns with schedules, like those for itemized deductions, for example, might not be accepted.
If you meet the criteria for filing a free federal return through IRS Free File, state filing availability depends on which Free File partner you choose.
IRS Free File opened on January 9 and will run through October 15, 2026.
Does the IRS use Free Fillable Forms?
There's another way to file your federal income tax return for free with the IRS.
- If your AGI is higher than $89,000, you can file your tax return using the IRS’s Free Fillable Forms.
- Unlike IRS Free File, however, Free Fillable Forms doesn’t use guided software.
- So, only choose this optionif you are comfortable preparing your own tax return.
IRS Free Fillable Forms opens on January 26 (the official IRS 2026 tax season start date for accepting returns) and will run through October 15.
Can military file taxes for free?
People who serve often wonder if there are free tax-filing apps specifically for the military.
MilTax is a feature of MilitaryOneSource, a program funded by the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) that provides various services, including tax services, to members of the military, their spouses and dependents, survivors, and some veterans.
- MilTax provides free online tax prep and filing software and trained personalized support tailored to military-specific tax circumstances.
- You can file up to three state returns along with your federal return.
- You can find out if you’re eligible to file with MilTax by visiting the MilitaryOneSource website.
Note: Intuit TurboTax offers free federal and state tax filing for active-duty and reserve enlisted members. TaxSlayer also offers free federal filing for active-duty members, but state filing incurs an extra cost.
MilTax will begin accepting tax returns on January 15 and through October 15, 2026.
Free in-person tax preparation and assistance
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA): VITA is a longstanding IRS public-private partnership providing free tax preparation services to low- and moderate-income taxpayers.
Principally staffed by volunteers, VITA operates out of community centers, schools, libraries, churches, and similar facilities. VITA serves taxpayers with incomes of $67,000 or less, those with disabilities, and taxpayers whose English-speaking skills are limited.
Find out more about VITA, including VITA locations, by visiting the IRS website or by calling 800-906-9887.
VITA sites post their own schedules, but most open in late January and run through April 15, 2026.
Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE): TCE is also a longstanding public-private partnership between the IRS and the AARP Foundation’s Tax-Aide program, providing free tax help particularly to those aged 60 or older. TCE volunteers specialize in questions about pensions and other retirement-related issues pertaining to seniors.
TCE services are available from February 1 through April 15. You can find the nearest TCE provider using the AARP site locator tool or by calling 888-227-7669.
Free tax filing 2026: Bottom line
In addition to the options mentioned above, some private tax software companies also offer free filing options for simple returns.
However, keep in mind that these offers may be limited, for example, in that state returns or additional forms could potentially trigger extra charges.
So review the "fine print" of what’s included in a free-file option before you start filing your return.
This 2026 tax filing season also brings significant changes due to the sweeping 2025 Trump/GOP tax bill enacted last summer.
New tax deductions and tax rule changes make it more important than ever that you seek professional tax advice if needed, so that you can prepare an accurate return and claim all the tax breaks you're eligible for.
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