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IRS Direct File was unavailable for the 2026 filing season. If you’re filing a 2025 federal return, start at IRS Free File: taxpayers with 2025 adjusted gross income (AGI) of $89,000 or less can compare guided-software offers, subject to each provider’s rules. If your AGI is higher, you may still qualify to use Free File Fillable Forms to prepare your own federal return, or you may be eligible for free in-person or military tax assistance.
What replaced IRS Direct File?
There is no announced replacement program that duplicates Direct File. For the 2026 filing season, the IRS pointed taxpayers to other free filing options, chiefly IRS Free File, Fillable Forms, and assistance programs. The Government Accountability Office reported that the IRS told participating states Direct File would not be available that season and that no future launch date had been set in that communication. The status after that communication is not established here; check current IRS announcements for any later update. GAO’s account of the suspension.
For a 2025 return, the right alternative depends on your AGI, state-filing needs, comfort with preparing a return, and whether you want human assistance.
Use IRS Free File Guided Tax if you qualify
For 2025 returns filed in 2026, IRS Free File Guided Tax was available to taxpayers with 2025 AGI of $89,000 or less. The IRS named eight partners for the 2026 season: 1040Now, Drake (1040.com), ezTaxReturn.com, FileYourTaxes.com, On-Line Taxes, TaxAct, TaxHawk (FreeTaxUSA), and TaxSlayer. Each partner may add eligibility rules, such as age, state residency, or military status, so being under the AGI limit does not guarantee that every offer will accept your return. IRS Free File partner and eligibility details.
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- Go to IRS.gov/freefile, rather than starting on a provider’s general commercial website.
- Compare the partners’ eligibility requirements with your age, state, military status, and tax situation.
- Before entering your information, confirm whether the offer covers your federal return and whether it includes a state return. State filing terms vary by provider and eligibility.
The IRS estimated that more than 109 million taxpayers were eligible for free guided preparation in 2026; that was an estimate of eligibility, not the number who used or completed the service. IRS estimate.
Use Fillable Forms if you can prepare your own return
Free File Fillable Forms are an option at any income level for people comfortable selecting and completing tax forms themselves. They are not the same as guided software: they provide federal forms and calculations for self-preparation, and do not include a state tax return. Check whether the forms support your filing situation before relying on them. IRS information on Fillable Forms and free filing.
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Get free help from a preparer if you qualify
VITA
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program offers free preparation for qualifying taxpayers. It serves groups that can include people with low-to-moderate incomes, people with disabilities, and people with limited English proficiency. Eligibility, services, and appointment availability depend on the site; use the IRS locator to find a nearby location and confirm what it can handle.
TCE
Tax Counseling for the Elderly is especially suited to taxpayers age 60 and older who have pension or retirement-related questions, although it also serves other taxpayers. Contact a local site to check availability and the scope of help offered.
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MilTax
Eligible members of the military community and certain veterans can use MilTax. Check current eligibility and which federal or state returns are covered before starting.
The IRS describes these programs and other free preparation resources in its 2026 tax-preparation options overview.
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Check the filing deadline and payment separately
The regular deadline to file and pay a 2025 individual federal return was April 15, 2026. Taxpayers who timely requested an extension generally had until October 15, 2026, to file, but the extension did not extend the time to pay: any tax owed was still due April 15. Check the IRS’s individual tax filing guidance and its extension-filer reminder for applicable details.
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Choose the free option that fits your return
- AGI at or below $89,000: Compare Guided Tax partners at IRS.gov/freefile, then check each provider’s extra rules and state-return terms.
- AGI above $89,000: Consider Fillable Forms if you can confidently prepare a federal return yourself, or check whether you qualify for assisted help.
- You want step-by-step software: Look at Guided Tax offers if eligible; confirm the specific offer supports your needs.
- You want a person to help: Check VITA or TCE site eligibility and availability, or MilTax if you meet its military-community requirements.
- You need a state return: Verify its price and eligibility before you begin. Fillable Forms are federal-only, and Guided Tax state filing varies.
- You need language or accessibility support: Ask a VITA site what services it can provide before booking.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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