Overview
Every year, roughly 85 million Americans pay to file taxes. For some, it’s a necessity because they have complicated tax returns. Others like the peace of mind that comes from having a professional prepare their returns, or at least be on hand to answer questions if they get stuck.
But some hand over $50, $100, or more to software companies or preparers simply because they didn’t know another option existed.
The good news is free tax filing is widely available. The problem is they might be hard to access if you don’t know where to look.
This article breaks down exactly what’s available, who qualifies, and how each option works.
Key takeaways:
IRS Free File covered federal returns for incomes up to $89,000
Always access free software through irs.gov/freefile to avoid accidentally landing on a paid tier
Check whether a tool includes state filing before you commit
Level up you tax filing game with TaxSlayer
File your taxes with TaxSlayer and get your maximum refund.
What Is Free Tax Filing?
Free tax filing means submitting your federal (and sometimes state) income tax return without paying for software, a filing service, or a tax preparer. Several programs make this possible, including government-backed options and software companies that offer no-cost filing tiers to eligible taxpayers.
Keep in mind, “free” doesn’t always mean free for everyone. Some programs have income limits. Others offer federal returns at no cost but charge for state returns or conveniences like electronic filing.
Free Tax Filing Options
There are a few different routes to free tax filing. They work differently depending on your income, your tax situation, and where you live.
Here’s a look at several of those options.
IRS Free File program
IRS Free File is a partnership between the IRS and several tax software companies. If your adjusted gross income is at or below a certain amount (generally $89,000 for the 2025 tax year), you can use one of the partner programs to file your federal return for free.
Several tax prep companies participate in the IRS Free File program, including FreeTaxUSA, TaxSlayer, TaxAct, and others.
However, each company has slightly different criteria for who qualifies for free tax filing. For example, some might have a lower income threshold unless you’re active-duty military. Some offer free state returns if you qualify for a free federal return, while others charge for all state returns.
Review the eligibility requirements or use the IRS’s “Find a trusted partner” tool before starting your return to ensure you qualify.
Also, you have to access these offers through the IRS Free File website. Don’t go directly to the software company’s site. For example, if you go directly to TaxSlayer, you may end up on a paid tier before you realize it.
If your income is above the annual threshold, you can still use the IRS Free File Fillable Forms. These are essentially electronic versions of paper tax forms. But this option doesn’t walk you through the process step by step. So you should only go that route if you’re comfortable filling out complicated tax forms on your own.
Free filing through tax software
Several private companies offer free filing options outside of the IRS Free File Program. The quality and coverage of these options vary.
Cash App Taxes
Cash App Taxes used to be Credit Karma Tax. It’s one of the few truly free options available because it doesn’t charge for federal or state returns regardless of your income or tax situation, and there are no add-ons available to purchase.
However, there’s very little tax guidance or professional support available from Cash App Taxes. There’s a help center with answers to some basic FAQs, and you can email or chat with Support if you have questions about the platform. Don’t expect personalized guidance on your tax situation.
FreeTaxUSA
FreeTaxUSA offers free federal filing for all income levels, including more complex returns involving self-employment income, rental income, and itemized deductions.
State returns cost $15.99 each, and you’ll also pay more for perks like audit defense and paying filing fees with your refund.
Like many other free filing options, FreeTaxUSA offers limited guidance beyond a searchable knowledge base. However, it does offer the option to upgrade to Pro Support for $64.99. This gives you access to professional tax help, phone support, and live screen sharing.
TurboTax Free Edition and H&R Block Free Online
TurboTax and H&R Block are some of the most recognizable names in tax software, and both offer a free version. However, they’re only available to taxpayers with very simple tax returns.
TurboTax Free Edition supports only Form 1040 with no schedules other than those for the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, student loan interest deduction, and Schedule A-1. If you itemize, are self-employed, sold stock, or have income from a rental property, TurboTax will upgrade you to a paid tier.
H&R Block’s criteria for free filing is similar, but also supports retirement plan distribution.
Free in-person help
If you’d rather have someone prepare your taxes for you at no cost, there are two options, although they might not be widely available, depending on your location.
IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE)
The IRS VITA and TCE programs train volunteers to provide basic tax return prep for individuals.
To qualify for VITA, you must make $69,000 or less or be disabled, or have limited English-speaking abilities. To qualify for TCE, you must be 60 or older.
You can find a VITA or TCE site near you using the IRS’s VITA/TCE Locator tool. Many sites require appointments, offer limited hours, or are open only from mid January through mid-April. Appointment slots can fill up quickly during tax season, so don’t wait until the last minute.
AARP Tax-Aide
This program is similar to the IRS’s TCE program, and AARP runs it in partnership with the IRS. You don’t have to be a senior or an AARP member, but volunteers specialize in working with taxpayers who are age 50 or older and have low or moderate income.
Use the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Service Locator Tool to find a site near you. Keep in mind many locations are only open from February 1 through April 15 and an appointment may be required.
Who Free Filing Works Best For
Free filing is a good fit if your tax situation is relatively straightforward. For example, you might be a good candidate if:
You earn wages reported on a W-2 (i.e., you aren’t self-employed)
You claim the standard deduction
Your investment activity is limited
You don’t have rental properties or foreign income
If your tax return is more complicated because you own a business, have multiple sources of income, or claim multiple tax deductions and credits, you may still be able to use software like FreeTaxUSA or Cash App Taxes. But if you run into problems and have tax questions, you won’t have a lot of options.
What to Watch Out For
Some tax software companies are known for prompting users to upgrade from a free version to a paid tier mid-filing. In some cases, the upsell is because you need a form not covered by the free tier. In others, it might be an optional upgrade, like audit defense, identity theft restoration, or assistance from a tax professional.
If you see an upgrade screen, stop and consider whether you actually need to pay. Sometimes, a different free tool covers your situation.
Also, be careful with state filing. Some “free” federal filing offers don’t include free state returns. If you live or earn income in a state with income taxes, check whether the tool you’re using covers state filing at no cost before you start.
Finally, watch out for refund advance or refund anticipation products, sometimes offered alongside free filing. These are essentially loans, and the lender will deduct your loan payment, plus any applicable fees and interest, from your refund.
Many programs advertise 0% interest, but some include finance charges or fees, so make sure you understand the total cost of the loan before accepting any refund advance offers.
Filing your taxes doesn’t have to cost money. It’s free for millions of people, and understanding your free filing options is the first step to joining them.
Level up you tax filing game with TaxSlayer
File your taxes with TaxSlayer and get your maximum refund.
by your friends at The Daily Navigator
