Which free route fits
The free options fall into four groups. Which one fits depends on your income, how complicated your return is, and whether you want to do it yourself or have someone prepare it:
| Route | Who it is for, as stated | State return | Help |
|---|---|---|---|
| IRS Free File guided software | AGI up to the season's limit; each partner sets its own criteria (income, age, state residency) | Some partners | Software guides you |
| Free File Fillable Forms | Any income, if you are comfortable with IRS forms and instructions | No | Basic calculations only |
| VITA and TCE | VITA: generally about $70,244 or less, people with disabilities, limited English speakers; TCE: 60 and older | Not stated by the IRS | IRS-certified volunteers |
| MilTax | Active-duty service members, eligible family members, survivors, recent veterans | Up to five | Software plus tax consultants |
| Free commercial editions | Simple returns as each vendor defines them, or any return at Cash App Taxes | Differs by vendor | Software |
A rough idea of your federal tax helps you check the result of any of these: the income tax calculator estimates it by filing status, and freelancers can work out the Schedule SE part with the self-employment tax calculator. Not sure you need to file at all? Our guide do students have to file taxes walks through the filing thresholds.
IRS Free File limits and the season calendar
For the 2026 filing season (tax year 2025), the IRS stated that taxpayers with an adjusted gross income of $89,000 or less could use guided software at no cost, and that you must begin the return from the IRS Free File page to get the free access. The Free File page, updated in October 2026, now shows $95,000 for the guided software, says Free File has closed and asks you to check back in January 2027. Free File Fillable Forms is closed until then as well.
IRS Direct File, the IRS's own filing tool from earlier seasons, is not one of the options here: the Taxpayer Advocate Service notes that this program will end for the 2026 filing season, and the IRS's 2026 free filing announcements list Free File, Fillable Forms and VITA/TCE without it.
The deadlines that apply to all of these are in our tax filing deadlines for 2026. If you need more time, the Free File page says you can request an extension with Form 4868 through the guided software or Fillable Forms; our guide on how to file a tax extension covers the steps.
State returns
A free federal return does not always come with a free state return. From the official pages:
- Free File Fillable Forms prepares a current-year federal return only.
- Some IRS Free File partners offer free state preparation and filing, and the Free File page warns that a guided provider may charge a fee for state tax return preparation. Check the partner's offer before you start.
- MilTax covers one federal return and up to five state returns at no charge.
- Cash App Taxes says it is free for state and federal returns, TurboTax Free Edition includes state filing at $0 for simple returns, and the TaxAct Free Edition charges extra for the state return.
Some states run their own free filing for state returns. The IRS keeps a list of state government websites; your state's department of revenue site says whether it offers free filing and who qualifies.
What to check before you start
- Start from the right page. For IRS Free File, the IRS says you must begin from the IRS Free File page on IRS.gov to get the free offer.
- Read the "simple return" definition. TurboTax Free Edition covers a Form 1040 with only a few schedules and leaves out itemized deductions, 1099-NEC income, stock and crypto sales and rental income; TaxAct's Free Edition leaves out investment income, itemized deductions, HSAs and self-employment income. If your return needs one of those, the free edition stops being free.
- Have your contact details ready. Free File Fillable Forms needs a new account each year, an email address and a U.S. cell phone number that can receive texts. Cash App Taxes needs the Cash App and phone verification.
- Know the volunteer season. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide takes appointments from early February to mid-April, and GetYourRefund reopens in late January.
- Check your withholding for next year. The paycheck calculator shows take-home pay after federal and state tax, which helps you see whether a refund or a balance due is likely.
After you file, our guide on how long a tax refund takes explains the IRS timelines. This list is general information about free filing options, not tax or financial advice; the programs set their own rules each season, so confirm them on the official pages before you file.
Frequently asked questions
What is the income limit for IRS Free File?
For the 2026 filing season (tax year 2025), the IRS stated an adjusted gross income of $89,000 or less for the guided software. The IRS Free File page, updated in October 2026, now shows $95,000 and says the program reopens in January 2027. Free File Fillable Forms has no income limit.
Is IRS Direct File available?
The Taxpayer Advocate Service's filing season page says the Direct File program will end for the 2026 filing season. The IRS's 2026 free filing announcements list IRS Free File, Free File Fillable Forms and VITA/TCE as the free options, without Direct File.
Can I file my state return for free?
It depends on the option. Free File Fillable Forms prepares a federal return only, and only some IRS Free File partners include a free state return. MilTax covers up to five state returns, Cash App Taxes says state returns are free, and TurboTax Free Edition includes state filing at $0 for simple returns. Some states also run their own free filing.
Where can I get free in-person help with my taxes?
The IRS's VITA program offers free preparation by IRS-certified volunteers, generally for people who make about $70,244 or less, people with disabilities and limited English speakers. TCE focuses on people 60 and older, and AARP Foundation Tax-Aide runs sites from early February to mid-April without requiring AARP membership. The IRS VITA Locator Tool finds sites near you.
Is TurboTax Free Edition really free?
TurboTax says its Free Edition is for simple Form 1040 returns, with only a few schedules such as the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and student loan interest, and that roughly 37% of taxpayers are eligible. Itemized deductions, 1099-NEC income, stock and crypto sales and rental income are not covered. State filing is $0 for simple returns.
Is there free tax filing for military members?
Yes. MilTax from the Department of Defense offers free tax software and free consultations to active-duty service members, eligible family members, survivors and recent veterans up to 365 days after separation or retirement. It covers one federal and up to five state returns, and Military OneSource says the software will be available in January 2027.