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IRS Free File: What It Is, How It Works
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do not influence our editors’ opinions or ratingsIRS Free File: What It Is, How It Works
Interested in the IRS Free File service? All you need to know about the program, plus other IRS options for free tax filing.
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Editor & Content Strategist
Expertise Taxes InvestingSabrina Parys is an editor and content strategist on the taxes and investing team at NerdWallet, where she manages and writes content on personal income taxes. Her previous experience includes five years as a copy editor and associate editor in academic and educational publishing. She is based in Brooklyn, New York.
Sabrina Parys is an editor and content strategist on the taxes and investing team at NerdWallet, where she manages and writes content on personal income taxes. Her previous experience includes five years as a copy editor and associate editor in academic and educational publishing. She is based in Brooklyn, New York. Published in Editor & Content Strategist + more + more
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6 years of experience Expertise Investing for beginners financial advice long-term investingAlana Benson is an investing writer who joined NerdWallet in 2019. She covers a wide variety of investing topics including stocks, socially responsible investing, cryptocurrency, mutual funds, HSAs and financial advice. She is also a frequent contributor to NerdWallet's "Smart Money" podcast. Alana has appeared on FOX Houston and the "PennyWise" podcast and has been quoted in MarketWatch and The Sun. Before joining NerdWallet, she wrote two books on identity theft and several young adult nonfiction titles. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Associated Press, MSN, Yahoo Finance and MarketWatch. She is based in Wyoming.
Alana Benson is an investing writer who joined NerdWallet in 2019. She covers a wide variety of investing topics including stocks, socially responsible investing, cryptocurrency, mutual funds, HSAs and financial advice. She is also a frequent contributor to NerdWallet's "Smart Money" podcast. Alana has appeared on FOX Houston and the "PennyWise" podcast and has been quoted in MarketWatch and The Sun. Before joining NerdWallet, she wrote two books on identity theft and several young adult nonfiction titles. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Associated Press, MSN, Yahoo Finance and MarketWatch. She is based in Wyoming. Published in Senior Writer + more + more
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23 years of experience Expertise Taxes Small business Social Security and estate planning Home services RIATina Orem is an editor and content strategist at NerdWallet. Prior to becoming an editor and content strategist, she covered small business and taxes at NerdWallet. She has a degree in finance, as well as a master's degree in journalism and an MBA. Previously, she was a financial analyst and director of finance at public and private companies. Tina's work has appeared in a variety of local and national media outlets.
Tina Orem is an editor and content strategist at NerdWallet. Prior to becoming an editor and content strategist, she covered small business and taxes at NerdWallet. She has a degree in finance, as well as a master's degree in journalism and an MBA. Previously, she was a financial analyst and director of finance at public and private companies. Tina's work has appeared in a variety of local and national media outlets. Published in Editor & Content Strategist + more + moreTax preparation isn’t cheap, but there are some free options if you know where to look. Free File and Free File Fillable Forms are two choices available through the IRS.
Tax preparation isn’t cheap, but there are some free options if you know where to look. Free File and Free File Fillable Forms are two choices available through the IRS.Here’s more about the programs, who qualifies and how to access them.
Here’s more about the programs, who qualifies and how to access them.What is IRS Free File?
What is IRS Free File?Free File is a partnership between the IRS and the Free File Inc. The program gives eligible taxpayers who earn below a certain income access to an assortment of free tax-prep software.
Free File is a partnership between the IRS and the Free File Inc. The program gives eligible taxpayers who earn below a certain income access to an assortment of free tax-prep software.If you meet the qualifications, you can browse the available offers on the IRS website. Participating providers include major commercial brands, such as TaxSlayer and TaxAct. Free File says that 70% of all taxpayers — about 100 million people — should be eligible to file their federal returns free of charge each year through the program
If you meet the qualifications, you can browse the available offers on the IRS website. Participating providers include major commercial brands, such as TaxSlayer and TaxAct. Free File says that 70% of all taxpayers — about 100 million people — should be eligible to file their federal returns free of charge each year through the program Free File Alliance. About IRS Free File. Accessed Jan 9, 2026. .You can access the available Free File offers in two ways: You can browse through each provider manually on the main IRS Free File page or use the IRS' online lookup tool.
You can access the available Free File offers in two ways: You can browse through each provider manually on the main IRS Free File page or use the IRS' online lookup tool .The lookup tool will ask you questions about your filing status, your adjusted gross income and your qualifications for certain tax credits. Then, it’ll run your answers through the system to surface which of the available Free File programs is the best fit for you.
The lookup tool will ask you questions about your filing status, your adjusted gross income and your qualifications for certain tax credits. Then, it’ll run your answers through the system to surface which of the available Free File programs is the best fit for you.Who is eligible for Free File?
Who is eligible for Free File?People who made $89,000 or less in 2025 are eligible to use Free File this year. The income threshold applies to all tax filing statuses, and the income limit refers to your adjusted gross income (AGI), not your gross income.
People who made $89,000 or less in 2025 are eligible to use Free File this year. The income threshold applies to all tax filing statuses, and the income limit refers to your adjusted gross income (AGI), not your gross income.Some providers may have additional requirements, such as age limitations or more restrictive income thresholds. State filing is not always included with the free federal offer, but sometimes can be added on for an additional cost.
Some providers may have additional requirements, such as age limitations or more restrictive income thresholds. State filing is not always included with the free federal offer, but sometimes can be added on for an additional cost.If you qualify for a free federal return via Free File but are left hanging on a free state return, note that some states may also offer their own free filing programs. Make sure to check your state’s department of taxation and revenue website as well. (And if you need a refresher on state tax rates, you can check yours here.)
If you qualify for a free federal return via Free File but are left hanging on a free state return, note that some states may also offer their own free filing programs. Make sure to check your state’s department of taxation and revenue website as well. (And if you need a refresher on state tax rates, you can check yours here .)» Don't qualify for IRS Free File? More options for free tax filing
» Don't qualify for IRS Free File? » Don't qualify for IRS Free File? More options for free tax filingParticipating tax software providers
Participating tax software providersThe easiest and most legitimate way to access Free File is through the IRS website. Some providers who participate in Free File may not advertise their participation or the correct IRS offer on their commercial websites, so it's important to make sure you're opening Free File directly from the IRS' landing page.
The easiest and most legitimate way to access Free File is through the IRS website. Some providers who participate in Free File may not advertise their participation or the correct IRS offer on their commercial websites, so it's important to make sure you're opening Free File directly from the IRS' landing page.The following tax software providers are participating in the Free File program for the 2026 tax filing season: 1040.com, 1040Now, EzTaxReturn, FileYourTaxes.com, FreeTaxUSA, OnLine Taxes, TaxAct and TaxSlayer.
The following tax software providers are participating in the Free File program for the 2026 tax filing season: 1040.com, 1040Now, EzTaxReturn, FileYourTaxes.com, FreeTaxUSA, OnLine Taxes, TaxAct and TaxSlayer.IRS Free File tax software provider
IRS Free File tax software provider
IRS Free File tax software providerAdditional qualifying requirements
Additional qualifying requirements
Additional qualifying requirements1040.com
1040.comAGI: $18,100 to $89,000.
AGI: $18,100 to $89,000.No age restrictions.
No age restrictions.If you qualify for a free federal return based on AGI, some state returns may also be included for free. Otherwise, nonsupported states can be added for $25
If you qualify for a free federal return based on AGI, some state returns may also be included for free. Otherwise, nonsupported states can be added for $251040Now
1040NowAGI: $82,000 or less. $89,000 or less if active military.
AGI: $82,000 or less. $89,000 or less if active military.No age restrictions.
No age restrictions.Must live in AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, MS, NC, ND, NE, NM, NJ, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, UT, VA, VT, WI, or WV.
Must live in AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, MS, NC, ND, NE, NM, NJ, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, UT, VA, VT, WI, or WV.No free state return.
No free state return.ezTaxReturn
ezTaxReturnAGI: $89,000 or less.
AGI: $89,000 or less.Age restrictions: 17 to 85
Age restrictions: 17 to 85Free federal return covered for qualifying people living in AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NE, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, PA, SC, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, and WV.
Free federal return covered for qualifying people living in AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NE, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, PA, SC, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, and WV.No free state return.
No free state return.FileYourTaxes.com
FileYourTaxes.comAGI: $9,500 to $89,000.
AGI: $9,500 to $89,000.Age: 64 or younger.
Age: 64 or younger.Free federal return for all states if you meet the above qualifications.
Free federal return for all states if you meet the above qualifications.Free state return for AL, MT, RI, WV only. Otherwise, unsupported state returns can be added for $50.
Free state return for AL, MT, RI, WV only. Otherwise, unsupported state returns can be added for $50.FreeTaxUSA
FreeTaxUSAAGI: $51,000 or less. $89,000 or less if on active military duty.
AGI: $51,000 or less. $89,000 or less if on active military duty.No age restriction.
No age restriction.Free federal and state returns for all states if you qualify based on AGI.
Free federal and state returns for all states if you qualify based on AGI.If you don’t qualify based on AGI, a federal return is free, but a state return is $15.99.
If you don’t qualify based on AGI, a federal return is free, but a state return is $15.99.OLT (OnLine Taxes)
OLT (OnLine Taxes)AGI: $51,000 or less. $89,000 if active duty military.
AGI: $51,000 or less. $89,000 if active duty military.No age restriction.
No age restriction.Free federal and state returns for all states if you qualify based on AGI.
Free federal and state returns for all states if you qualify based on AGI.If you don’t qualify for the free offer based on AGI, a federal return is free, but a state return is $9.95.
If you don’t qualify for the free offer based on AGI, a federal return is free, but a state return is $9.95.TaxAct
TaxActAGI: $89,000 or less if age 20-60 or active duty military.
AGI: $89,000 or less if age 20-60 or active duty military.Free federal return for all states if you meet the above qualifications.
Free federal return for all states if you meet the above qualifications.Free state return in AR, IA, ID, MS, MT, ND, RI, VT and WV if you qualify for a free federal return.
Free state return in AR, IA, ID, MS, MT, ND, RI, VT and WV if you qualify for a free federal return.TaxSlayer
TaxSlayerAGI: $19,100 to $89,000. $89,000 or less for active duty military. You may also qualify for this offer if you don’t meet the income guidelines but are eligible for the EITC.
AGI: $19,100 to $89,000. $89,000 or less for active duty military. You may also qualify for this offer if you don’t meet the income guidelines but are eligible for the EITC.67 or younger.
67 or younger.Free federal return for all states if you meet above qualifications.
Free federal return for all states if you meet above qualifications.Free state return for AR, AZ, GA, IA, ID, IN, KY, MA, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NY, OR, RI, SC, VA, VT, WV.
Free state return for AR, AZ, GA, IA, ID, IN, KY, MA, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NY, OR, RI, SC, VA, VT, WV.Note: Some providers have additional income restrictions, and others may impose limits on things such as age. Most of the providers will help with military pay and can assist you in applying for the earned income tax credit (EITC) if you qualify for it. This table is meant to provide a general overview of the providers, but be sure to use the IRS' lookup tool to read through the fine print and find the best fit for your tax situation.
Note: Note: Note: Some providers have additional income restrictions, and others may impose limits on things such as age. Most of the providers will help with military pay and can assist you in applying for the earned income tax credit (EITC) if you qualify for it. This table is meant to provide a general overview of the providers, but be sure to use the IRS' lookup tool to read through the fine print and find the best fit for your tax situation.» MORE: Popular tax deductions and tax breaks
» MORE: » MORE: Popular tax deductions and tax breaksWhat are IRS Free File Fillable Forms?
What are IRS Free File Fillable Forms?The IRS also offers a little-talked-about free filing option called Free File Fillable Forms. As the name implies, this route allows you to digitally fill out several common federal income tax forms and submit them using the IRS' online e-file service. The IRS calls this option the electronic equivalent of paper forms.
The IRS also offers a little-talked-about free filing option called Free File Fillable Forms. As the name implies, this route allows you to digitally fill out several common federal income tax forms and submit them using the IRS' online e-file service. The IRS calls this option the electronic equivalent of paper forms.Unlike the Free File software program, Fillable Forms has no restrictions on who can use this filing option — it is available to all taxpayers, regardless of their income, place of residence or age. Once you submit your return, the agency says you should get a confirmation email within two days.
Unlike the Free File software program, Fillable Forms has no restrictions on who can use this filing option — it is available to all taxpayers, regardless of their income, place of residence or age. Once you submit your return, the agency says you should get a confirmation email within two days.If you're new to taxes or not especially confident dealing with tax forms, note that this option may not be a good fit. Although the filing interface is relatively simple, allowing you to add forms and do basic math equations, it does not offer any tax support or filing guidance. People who use this service should be comfortable understanding and navigating tax forms on their own.
If you're new to taxes or not especially confident dealing with tax forms, note that this option may not be a good fit. Although the filing interface is relatively simple, allowing you to add forms and do basic math equations, it does not offer any tax support or filing guidance. People who use this service should be comfortable understanding and navigating tax forms on their own.To use the service, you'll need to create an account on the Free File Fillable Forms landing page.
To use the service, you'll need to create an account on the Free File Fillable Forms landing page. Frequently asked questionsThe IRS Free File program generally opens in early to mid-January, around the start of tax filing season, and access typically ends in mid-October, around the tax extension deadline. In 2026, the service began accepting and holding tax returns on Jan. 9, and processing by the IRS began on Jan. 26.
The IRS Free File program generally opens in early to mid-January, around the start of tax filing season, and access typically ends in mid-October, around the tax extension deadline. In 2026, the service began accepting and holding tax returns on Jan. 9, and processing by the IRS began on Jan. 26.Taxpayers who made $89,000 or less in 2025 are eligible for Free File in 2026. The $89,000 threshold applies to all filing statuses.
Taxpayers who made $89,000 or less in 2025 are eligible for Free File in 2026. The $89,000 threshold applies to all filing statuses.Some, but not all, participating IRS Free File programs offer free state tax returns. You can also check with your state department to see whether there are additional options for free state filing available to you.
Some, but not all, participating IRS Free File programs offer free state tax returns. You can also check with your state department to see whether there are additional options for free state filing available to you.The IRS Free File program generally opens in early to mid-January, around the start of tax filing season, and access typically ends in mid-October, around the tax extension deadline. In 2026, the service began accepting and holding tax returns on Jan. 9, and processing by the IRS began on Jan. 26.
Taxpayers who made $89,000 or less in 2025 are eligible for Free File in 2026. The $89,000 threshold applies to all filing statuses.
Some, but not all, participating IRS Free File programs offer free state tax returns. You can also check with your state department to see whether there are additional options for free state filing available to you.
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What is IRS Free File? What is IRS Free File? Who is eligible for Free File? Who is eligible for Free File? Participating tax software providers Participating tax software providers What are IRS Free File Fillable Forms? What are IRS Free File Fillable Forms?ON THIS PAGE
What is IRS Free File? What is IRS Free File? Who is eligible for Free File? Who is eligible for Free File? Participating tax software providers Participating tax software providers What are IRS Free File Fillable Forms? What are IRS Free File Fillable Forms? More like this Taxes Tax Relief and Resolution: 5 Ways to Deal With Tax Debt If you're behind on taxes or finding it hard to keep up with your IRS payments, here are five tax relief options that could help. 2 By Sabrina Parys, Tina Orem Guide to IRS Customer Service and Phone Numbers Lesser-known IRS customer service phone numbers could help you skip the line or talk to a person faster. Plus, learn where you can get in-person help if you need it. 2 By Tina Orem, Sabrina Parys