For most people, the best place to start is the IRS Free File page. Its partner finder shows current offers and lets you check eligibility before opening a provider’s site. For the 2026 filing season—returns for 2025—taxpayers with adjusted gross income (AGI) of $89,000 or less may qualify for guided software through IRS Free File. The right option still depends on your income, state, tax situation and whether you want software guidance or help from a person.
Which free tax-filing option fits you?
| Option | Who it may suit | How it works | What to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| IRS Free File Guided Tax | For 2025 returns filed during the 2026 season, taxpayers with AGI of $89,000 or less who meet a participating provider’s rules | Guided online tax software through an IRS partner | Provider-specific age, state-residency or military rules; whether a state return is included |
| Free File Fillable Forms | Taxpayers comfortable preparing their own federal return using forms and instructions, regardless of income | Electronic federal tax forms without a guided interview | It requires self-preparation; the application requires a 10-digit U.S. mobile number that can receive SMS |
| VITA/TCE | Eligible taxpayers who want volunteer assistance; TCE focuses on taxpayers age 60 and older and retirement-related tax questions | No-cost preparation from IRS-certified volunteers, subject to eligibility and local availability | Eligibility and whether a nearby site is operating |
| MilTax | Eligible members of the military community | Free tax-filing resource; consult current Military OneSource terms for coverage | Eligibility and current federal and state return coverage |
How to find an IRS Free File guided offer
- Go to the IRS Free File page, rather than starting from a tax company’s ordinary commercial homepage.
- Choose “Find a Trusted Partner” or “Browse All Trusted Partners” and review the current eligibility requirements for each offer.
- Before beginning, confirm that your tax situation qualifies and check the price of any state return you need.
For the 2026 filing season, the IRS listed eight guided-software partners: 1040Now, Drake (1040.com), ezTaxReturn.com, FileYourTaxes.com, On-Line Taxes, TaxAct, TaxHawk (FreeTaxUSA) and TaxSlayer. Their offers are not interchangeable: additional eligibility rules may apply, and state filing may or may not be included. Participating providers may not upsell additional services or impose hidden fees within the qualifying Free File offer, but confirm the specific offer and state-return terms before proceeding. See the IRS overview of free tax-preparation and filing options for 2026.
Federal filing may be free while state filing costs extra
A free federal return does not automatically mean a free state return. Some Free File partners include state preparation and filing; others may charge, and availability can depend on where you live. Check the provider’s offer for your state before entering your tax information or doing the return. The IRS partner finder is the most reliable starting point for checking which current offer applies to you.
When Fillable Forms or volunteer help is a better fit
Choose Fillable Forms if you can prepare the return yourself
Free File Fillable Forms are an electronic version of federal tax forms and are available regardless of income. They are not guided interview software: you need to know which forms apply and how to complete them using IRS instructions. The IRS notes that a 10-digit U.S. mobile number capable of receiving SMS is required to use the application. This option is for federal filing; check separately how you will file any state return.
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Look for VITA or TCE if you want a person’s assistance
The IRS free-filing options page explains the VITA and TCE programs, which provide no-cost preparation by IRS-certified volunteers to eligible taxpayers. VITA serves qualified taxpayers, including people who meet EITC eligibility guidelines. TCE focuses on taxpayers age 60 and older and retirement-related tax questions. Use the IRS locator linked from that page to check eligibility and find out whether a nearby site is available.
Check MilTax if you are part of the military community
The IRS identifies MilTax as a free resource for eligible military community members. Coverage details can vary across IRS pages, so confirm eligibility and current federal and state filing terms with Military OneSource.
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If you have an extension for your 2025 return
For taxpayers who obtained an extension, the IRS says the deadline to file a 2025 return is October 15, 2026. As of October 4, 2026, the IRS lists free options still available, including Free File, Fillable Forms and MilTax. Check the IRS page for current availability and instructions. An extension to file does not extend the time to pay tax owed; see the IRS filing guidance for details.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to expect after e-filing
The IRS says most refunds are issued within 21 days when a complete, accurate return is filed electronically with direct deposit. That is a general estimate, not a guarantee. For the 2026 season, the agency described its free options in its January 29, 2026 filing-season announcement.
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