Yes, there are several legitimate ways to file your federal tax return for free. The best option depends on your income, the complexity of your return, and whether you need help with a state return too. Here’s what’s available right now and who qualifies for each.
IRS Free File for Incomes Under $89,000
The IRS partners with a handful of tax software companies to offer free guided tax preparation through a program called IRS Free File. If your adjusted gross income (AGI) is $89,000 or less, you can use one of these partner tools to prepare and e-file your federal return at no cost. The program is available to filers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
To get started, visit irs.gov/freefile and use the “Find your trusted partner” tool. It asks a few questions about your income, age, and state of residence, then matches you with an eligible provider. Some of these partners also include a free state return, but not all of them, so check before you begin. The IRS landing page lets you browse all partners and compare what each one covers.
One important detail: you need to enter through the IRS Free File portal to get the truly free version. If you go directly to the same company’s website, you may end up in their paid product instead. Bookmark the IRS page and start from there every time.
IRS Free File Fillable Forms
If your income is above $89,000, or you simply prefer to do things yourself, the IRS also offers Free File Fillable Forms. These are electronic versions of IRS paper forms that you fill out and submit online. There’s no income limit.
The catch is that this option provides almost no guidance. It does basic math for you but won’t walk you through deductions, suggest credits, or flag errors the way software does. It’s best suited for people who are comfortable reading tax instructions and know which forms they need. It also doesn’t prepare state returns, so you’d need to handle that separately.
Volunteer Tax Prep Through VITA and TCE
If you’d rather have someone prepare your return in person, the IRS sponsors two free programs staffed by trained volunteers.
- Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA): Open to people who generally earn $69,000 or less, people with disabilities, and taxpayers with limited English proficiency. VITA sites are typically set up at community centers, libraries, schools, and nonprofit offices during filing season.
- Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE): Focused on taxpayers who are 60 and older. TCE volunteers specialize in retirement-related tax questions like pension income and Social Security benefits.
Both programs have been running for over 50 years. Volunteers are IRS-certified, and many sites also help with state returns. To find a location near you, use the VITA/TCE locator tool on irs.gov or call the IRS at 800-906-9887. Appointments fill up fast early in the season, so it helps to call in late January or early February.
These programs also offer financial education resources, and volunteers are trained to check whether you qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit, which many eligible filers miss.
Free Tiers From Commercial Tax Software
Major tax software companies like TurboTax and TaxAct offer free versions of their products, but the eligibility rules are narrow. These free tiers generally cover a basic Form 1040 with limited credits. TurboTax estimates that about 37% of taxpayers qualify for its free edition.
You typically won’t qualify for a free commercial tier if your return includes freelance or self-employment income (reported on Schedule C), rental property income, significant investment income, or itemized deductions. If you start a return in the free version and the software detects one of these situations, it will prompt you to upgrade to a paid plan.
If your tax situation is straightforward, a W-2 job with the standard deduction, these free tiers work fine and often include a state return. Just read the fine print before you begin so you know exactly what’s covered.
Filing Your State Return for Free
Federal free filing doesn’t always include state taxes, so you may need a separate plan. Several of the IRS Free File partners do offer free state returns, but coverage varies by state and by provider. The IRS browse page lets you filter by state to see which partners will handle both returns at no cost.
Many state revenue departments also offer their own free e-filing systems directly on their websites. These are usually simple online portals where you enter your state-specific income information and submit. If you’ve already completed your federal return (through any method), you’ll have the numbers you need.
VITA and TCE volunteers generally prepare state returns alongside federal ones, making those programs one of the most complete free options available.
Which Option Is Right for You
For most people earning under $89,000 with a relatively simple return, IRS Free File is the easiest path. You get real tax software with step-by-step guidance, and you can often get your state return included.
If you’re less comfortable with technology, or you have questions about your specific situation, VITA and TCE give you a real person who will sit down and prepare your return. This is especially valuable if you think you might qualify for credits like the EITC but aren’t sure.
If your income is above $89,000 and you know your way around tax forms, Free File Fillable Forms let you e-file for free without any income restriction. And if your return is simple enough, the free tier from a commercial provider can work well, just watch for upgrade prompts that signal you’ve outgrown the free version.