The IRS Free File program has become more popular as of late. This tax preparation service is one of the major ways the IRS allows taxpayers to file their taxes — for free. Another is Direct File.
Last year saw about 10% growth in Free File participation, and this past tax season, millions of taxpayers were eligible to prepare their taxes with this free service before filing officially began.
However, new IRS Commissioner Billy Long has called for an end to the Direct File program at a recent National Association of Enrolled Agents Tax Summit, according to Bloomberg. "You've heard of Direct File," Long stated, "That's gone. Big beautiful Billy wiped that out."
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Direct File hasn't gone away. But there's a lot of confusion about whether it will go, and if IRS Free File is still available.
Here's what you need to know.
Is Free File still available?
While the tax season officially ended on April 15, Free File is still available and allows you to prepare your taxes until October 15 if you applied for and were granted an extension.
However, it's important to note that last tax season, another free tax filing program launched: IRS Direct File. Unlike Free File, Direct File aims to be available for those with higher incomes.
Yet a provision in the recently enacted so-called "One Big, Beautiful Bill" directs the Treasury to study and report on alternatives to the IRS Direct File program. A possible outcome of that study could be the elimination of the program, particularly after Elon Musk "deleted" the team responsible for developing the Direct File system earlier this year.
Last year’s Direct File pilot proved a success across 12 participating states with over 140,000 taxpayers. Most reported their experience with the program as “Excellent” or “Above Average.”
Though similar to Free File, Direct File addresses different income limits and tax situations, making a potential elimination perhaps more difficult for taxpayers who don't qualify for Free File.
And while ending Direct File could save taxpayer dollars, some are concerned that a call for elimination would be mainly due to the IRS Tax Prep Service's competition with commercial tax preparation software, such as H&R Block and TurboTax.
IRS Free File, however, remains unaffected by recent tax law. And Direct File continues to be a viable option for taxpayers to use as well.
Is IRS Free File really free?
The IRS Free File program allows you to file for free through guided tax software from IRS partners.
Taxpayers who meet the criteria below can still use IRS Free File until the October 15, 2025, deadline, if you were granted a federal tax extension (state deadlines might differ):
- Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $84,000 or less for 2024
- Access to a computer, mobile phone or tablet
Taxpayers can mail in tax forms if the chosen provider supports this method of filing. Additionally, individuals with gross income above $84,000 can still use Free File through fillable forms (more on those later).
Free way to file taxes online
IRS online Free File offers eight private-sector partners for you to choose from, each with guided software. Some offer state tax return preparation. Here are the 2025 Free File partners:
- TaxSlayer
- TaxAct
- FreeTaxUSA (TaxHawk)
- 1040Now
- 1040.com (Drake)
- OnLine Taxes
- FileYourTaxes.com
- ezTaxReturn.com*
*Note: ezTaxReturn also provides Spanish speakers with an online product.
Not sure which provider to use? The IRS provides a “Find a Trusted Partner” button to help you choose. After you answer several return-related questions, the tool lists qualifying providers who can file your taxes for free.
Click on the trusted partner you like and go to the website to start your tax return.
Free File program for filing taxes: Tax credits and deductions
The IRS Free File offers what the tax agency describes as a “simple, no-cost way for taxpayers to claim the full amount of tax benefits for which they’re eligible” — and that extends to tax credits and deductions.
Some of the tax benefits you can claim via this free tax preparation program include:
- Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
- Child Tax Credit (CTC)
- Premium Tax Credit (PTC)
It also includes various itemized deductions.
However, not all providers can support the documents required to claim these benefits, so check the company’s website before beginning the tax preparation process.
See a list of forms and schedules that could be provided by Free File providers on the IRS’ website.
Is Free File Fillable Form free?
Taxpayers with an AGI of $84,000 or above in 2024 can use the Free File Fillable Forms (FFFF). These are electronic versions of IRS paper forms, but there are some caveats:
- Unlike the Free File online software, FFFF offers no tax preparation guidance.
- FFFF provides limited help with calculations.
- There is no state tax preparation or filing.
However, if you're comfortable reading IRS instructions and publications to prepare your taxes, and your AGI is higher than the Free File maximum, FFFF might be useful.
Read More
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- H&R Block Faces Hefty $7 Million Fine: What It Means for Taxpayers
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- IRS Income Tax Refund Schedule 2025: When Will Your Refund Arrive?
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