You can file your federal tax return for free through the IRS Free File program if your adjusted gross income is $89,000 or less, and several other options exist regardless of income. State returns take a bit more legwork, but most people can avoid paying for those too. Here’s how to handle both without spending a dime.
IRS Free File: Guided Software at No Cost
The IRS partners with private tax software companies through its Free File program. If your AGI is $89,000 or less, you can use guided tax preparation software to complete and e-file your federal return at no charge. You access these options through the IRS website at irs.gov/freefile, which links to participating software providers. Each provider sets its own additional eligibility rules (age, state of residence, military status), so you may need to check a couple before finding one that fits.
This is full tax software, not a stripped-down version. It walks you through your return with interview-style questions, handles common forms and credits, and files electronically. Some of the participating providers also include a free state return as part of the deal, though not all do. Before you start, check whether the provider you’re considering covers your state at no extra cost. If it doesn’t, you’ll need to file your state return separately using one of the methods described below.
IRS Free File Fillable Forms
If your income is above the $89,000 threshold, or if you simply prefer to fill out the forms yourself, IRS Free File Fillable Forms lets anyone e-file a federal return for free regardless of income. This option provides electronic versions of IRS forms that do basic math for you but don’t offer the guided, question-and-answer experience of full software. You need to know which forms and schedules apply to your situation.
This works well if you have a straightforward return and are comfortable reading form instructions. It does not prepare state returns, so you’ll handle those on your own.
What Happened to IRS Direct File
The IRS launched Direct File as a pilot program that let taxpayers in select states file federal returns directly through irs.gov, with links to free state filing tools. That program is no longer available. Former IRS Commissioner Billy Long confirmed in mid-2025 that Direct File is “gone,” and the agency notified participating states it would not continue. If you used Direct File previously, you can no longer access past returns through that platform. For the current filing season, use the Free File program or one of the other options listed here instead.
Free In-Person Help Through VITA and TCE
If you’d rather have someone prepare your return for you, the IRS sponsors two volunteer programs that offer free tax preparation at community sites around the country.
- Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) serves people who generally make $69,000 or less, people with disabilities, and taxpayers with limited English proficiency. IRS-certified volunteers prepare both federal and state returns at libraries, community centers, schools, and other locations during filing season.
- Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) focuses on taxpayers age 60 and older. Many TCE sites are run through AARP’s Tax-Aide program and are open regardless of income, though the service prioritizes questions and situations common among retirees.
To find a site near you, use the VITA/TCE locator tool on irs.gov or call the IRS at 800-906-9887. These programs typically open in late January and run through mid-April, and popular sites fill up quickly. Many now offer drop-off and virtual appointment options alongside traditional in-person prep.
Filing Your State Return for Free
State returns are where free filing gets trickier, because there’s no single nationwide program that covers every state. Here are the most reliable paths:
Through your IRS Free File provider. Some of the software companies participating in the federal Free File program include a free state return. This is the easiest route if it’s available to you. Check before you start your federal return so you don’t end up switching providers midway through.
Your state’s own filing portal. Many state revenue departments offer their own free e-file systems. These are typically web-based tools where you enter information from your completed federal return to generate your state return. Search your state’s department of revenue or taxation website for “free e-file” or “file online.” Some states make this available to all residents, while others limit it by income or return complexity.
Paper filing. Every state that collects income tax accepts paper returns. You can download forms from your state’s tax agency website, fill them out, and mail them in. It’s slower (refunds from paper returns can take several weeks longer than e-filed ones), but it costs nothing beyond a stamp.
If you live in a state with no income tax, you don’t need to file a state return at all.
Watch for Upsell Tactics in “Free” Software
Commercial tax software companies advertise “free” filing prominently, but the free tier typically covers only the simplest returns. You might start entering your information for free and then hit a paywall when the software encounters a form it doesn’t include in the free version. Common triggers for a paid upgrade include investment income reported on a Schedule D, self-employment income, HSA contributions, rental property income, and itemized deductions.
The difference between these commercial free tiers and the IRS Free File program is important. IRS Free File partners agree to provide genuinely free guided preparation (including common forms and schedules) for qualifying taxpayers. The “free” version you see advertised on a software company’s homepage outside of the Free File program often has much narrower coverage. Always start at irs.gov/freefile rather than going directly to a software company’s website, so you get the version with broader form support and no surprise fees.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
Whichever method you use, gather these items first to avoid delays:
- Social Security numbers for yourself, your spouse (if filing jointly), and any dependents
- W-2s from every employer you worked for during the tax year
- 1099 forms for freelance income, bank interest, investment gains, retirement distributions, or other non-wage income
- Last year’s AGI or your prior-year tax return, which you’ll need to verify your identity when e-filing
- Bank account and routing numbers if you want your refund deposited directly
- Records for deductions and credits you plan to claim, such as student loan interest statements (Form 1098-E), tuition statements (Form 1098-T), or childcare expense receipts
Most employers and financial institutions issue tax documents by the end of January. If you e-file with direct deposit and your return has no errors, the IRS typically issues refunds within 21 days.