Free tax filing: How to file your 2025 return for free

Updated January 9, 2026 5 min read

Nobody looks forward to doing their taxes, and spending big money on tax-prep fees just to owe the IRS or get a refund for money the IRS owes you is especially exasperating.

One free tax filing option called IRS Direct File has ended and won’t be available when filing opens in January 2026. Fortunately, several options for free tax filing remain, including free versions of tax software and several programs that offer tax preparation assistance.

5 ways to complete your taxes online for free

Looking for a filing option that will cost you less to pocket a tax refund or pay the taxes you owe? Learn how you can file your taxes for free or at a reduced cost.

1. IRS Free File — for anyone who makes $84,000 or less

IRS Free File allows many taxpayers to file for free through a partnership with the Free File Alliance, an industry group of tax software companies. In a nutshell, you’ll get access to free tax preparation software that uses simple questions to help complete your tax return. You can qualify if your adjusted gross income (AGI), or taxable income , was less than $84,000 in 2025.

One big advantage of IRS Free File over regular free tax software: You won’t get hit with surprise charges, as is common with “free” software. Also, you can use IRS Free File for situations that other free tax software doesn’t support, like itemizing deductions or having business income, though it often works best for simple filing situations. In some states, you can also use the service to file a free state tax return.

Note: The IRS used to offer free, fillable forms online, but those have been archived and are unavailable for electronic filing this year — including ones you may have filled out last year.

2. Free or trial versions of tax software

You may be able to find free options from popular tax brands, including H&R Block , TurboTax , TaxSlayer , and TaxAct Free . Like IRS Free File, these software options are best for individuals with straightforward tax filings, and they sometimes include free state tax filing.

Free versions of tax software typically allow access to Form 1040. Though each tax software has its own rules, many restrict free filing to those who:

Have a filing status of single or married filing jointly
Mainly have W-2, unemployment, or retirement income
Claim the standard deduction vs. itemizing
Aren’t claiming tax credits other than the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credit

Read more: Everything you need to know to claim the child tax credit and earned income tax credit

3. VITA for low-income taxpayers

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) provides free tax preparation to low- and moderate-income taxpayers. VITA places staff in libraries, schools, and other convenient sites around the country with IRS-certified volunteers who provide in-person, free tax help.

There are a few eligibility requirements, including an income of $67,000 or less, having a disability, or being a limited English speaker in need of tax filing assistance. You can check for a VITA site near you using the IRS locator tool .

4. Tax Counseling for the Elderly

A sister program to VITA, Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) , uses a federal grant to provide free tax preparation services to older taxpayers. Many TCE sites are run in cooperation with the nonprofit AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program .

Like other free tax filing options listed here, TCE programs are best suited to simple tax returns for those who receive a pension or have retirement-related concerns. While you typically need to be 60 or older to qualify for TCE services, some AARP sites offer tax help to low- to moderate-income filers aged 50 and up.

5. MilTax for military members and veterans

Military members, their families, and some veterans may qualify to have taxes filed for free through MilTax , the Department of Defense’s free tax software offered in partnership with Military OneSource. The software is specifically geared toward concerns like combat wages, deployment situations, multi-state filings, and housing or rental issues.

There are no income limits to qualify, and Military OneSource offers a call center to provide on-demand personalized tax help. For military members who use the service, the software guarantees 100% accuracy, or you’ll be reimbursed up to $10,000.

Note that for some of these free filing options, a state tax return can involve an additional fee.

Free tax filing FAQs

1. How do I calculate my adjusted gross income?

Deciding which free tax filing option is best involves checking your adjusted gross income or taxable income . Fortunately, calculating your adjusted gross income for your income tax return is a fairly simple formula.

Total the income you’ll report, such as wages, dividends, and interest from savings accounts , then subtract any deductions, credits, or adjustments you’re eligible to take.

2. Do I still need to file a federal tax return if I paid estimated or self-employment taxes quarterly?

Yes. If you’re self-employed and pay estimated taxes quarterly , you still need to file a tax return with the IRS to ensure you’ve paid the right amount. Make a detailed report of all your sources of income from your W-2 forms , including anything you receive for services or products sold through platforms like PayPal or Venmo .

3. Do any states offer free e-file or free tax filing software?

Some states offer free tax filing assistance for both federal and state returns, usually tied to lower-income households via a partnership with a third-party tax preparation provider.

Check your state’s department of revenue website for details about any free tax prep programs you may qualify for.

Have significant savings? A financial advisor can help you optimize it

4. Who qualifies for the IRS free federal filing?

The IRS free filing program is available for taxpayers with an adjusted gross income of $84,000 or less. It offers free federal tax preparation for low- to moderate-income taxpayers through IRS tax software partners, including some state filing and Spanish-speaking tax preparation assistance.

5. Is there a free way to e-file taxes?

You can use the IRS Free File program if your taxable income for 2025 is $84,000 or less. Many free tax software services also have free versions, but many limit services to those who primarily have W-2 income and take the standard deduction.