Are you ready to file your tax return and watch your refund check land in your bank account? This year, the federal government is promising a new era of easy, low-cost tax preparation with free filing options from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Although the ability to use online tax filing forms has long been an option, most taxpayers have needed guidance in navigating the series of schedules required to prepare and file a typical tax return.
This year’s tax refund process is simplified with free tax filing options available through the IRS or other programs listed below that allow you to file your taxes online for free.
Read more: Taxes: Everything you need to file your tax return on time
Looking for a filing option that allows you to pay less for your tax refund or pay the tax you owe? Find out how you can file your taxes for free or at a reduced price.
In partnership with the Free File Alliance, the IRS is offering the IRS Free File to qualified taxpayers with adjusted gross income (AGI) or taxable income of less than $84,000 in 2024. This free federal tax preparation software uses a series of simple questions to help complete your tax return . It’s best for those who don’t list expenses, don’t have a business, and don’t need extensive customization.
Free File also includes access to free state tax returns for some taxpayers. You can check your eligibility, calculate your adjusted gross income and get access to tax software at IRS.gov.
If your AGI is over $84,000 or you have other sources of income that complicate your tax forms, you can find free options from popular tax stamps, including Block H&R, Turbo tax, Tax killerand TaxAct free. Like the IRS Free File, these software options are best for individuals with simple tax returns, and sometimes include a free state tax return.
Free versions of tax software usually allow access to Form 1040 and schedules that allow you to claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit. Some also support deducting student loan interest, certain types of dividends or savings account earnings, and retirement income.
Note that unlike some other offers, TaxSlayer’s Simply Free program has an income limit of $100,000 and requires you to claim no dependents.
Volunteer income tax assistance (VITA) is a federally funded program that provides free tax preparation to low- and moderate-income taxpayers. This is a community partnership that staffs sites in libraries, schools, and other convenient locations across the country with IRS-certified volunteers who personally provide free tax assistance.
There are several eligibility requirements, including an income of $67,000 or less, a disability, or limited English speaking who needs help filing a tax return. You can check a VITA location near you using Tool for locating the tax administration.
Sister program for VITA, Tax advice for the elderly (TCE) also uses a federal grant to provide free tax preparation services to older taxpayers. Many TCE sites work in collaboration with non-profit organizations AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program.
Like the other free tax filing options listed here, TCE programs are best suited for simple tax returns for those who are receiving a pension or have retirement issues. Although you usually have to be 60 or older to qualify for TCE services, some AARP site offer tax assistance to low-to-moderate income earners aged 50 and over.
Read more: 3 ways retirees can save on taxes
5. Mil Tax for military members and veterans
Members of the military, their families and some veterans may qualify for free tax filing MilTaxfree DoD tax software offered in partnership with Military OneSource. The software is specifically geared toward issues such as combat pay, deployment situations, multi-state filing, and housing or rental issues.
There are no income limits to qualify, and Military OneSource offers a call center to provide personalized tax assistance upon request. For members of the military using the service, the software guarantees 100% accuracy or you’ll be reimbursed $10,000.
If you are an American who resided in one of the 25 states in 2024, you may be eligible to file your taxes directly with the IRS and receive a faster direct deposit refund through Direct File Program.
This year, Direct File is available to taxpayers in Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
Currently, the program only supports certain types of income and deductions, so Direct File is not an option if you have self-employment income, business income, need to itemize deductions, or plan to claim certain types of tax credits such as those for tuition or education, adoption or energy efficiency improvements.
Read more: Home office deduction: who can claim it and how much can you save?
Previously, the Tax Administration offered free fillable forms online, but they have been archived and are not available for electronic submission this year — including those you may have completed last year.
The good news is that with the Direct File extension, you can probably find a free trial version of tax preparation software that will meet your needs.
Read more: Tax credit vs. tax deduction: What’s the difference and which is better?
In a press release in late 2024, the IRS announced a list of inflation-based adjustments that will apply for the new tax season, including increases to the standard deduction and income thresholds for marginal tax rates.
Also of note are small increases to the Earned Income Tax Credit, as well as slightly more generous contribution limits to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Medical Savings Accounts (MSAs).
Read more: Tax classes and rates for 2024-2025
Please note that some of these free filing options may include an additional fee for your state tax return.
Deciding which free tax filing option is best involves checking your adjusted gross income or taxable income. fortunately, calculation of your adjusted gross income for income tax refund is a fairly simple formula.
Add up the income you’ll report, such as wages, dividends, and interest from savings accounts, then subtract any deductions, credits, or adjustments you’re entitled to.
That. If you’re self-employed and pay estimated tax quarterly, you still need to file a tax return with the IRS to make sure you’ve paid the right amount. Create a detailed report of all your sources of income from your W-2 forms, including anything you receive for services or products sold through platforms like PayPal or Venmo.
Some states offer free tax filing assistance for federal and state refunds, usually for lower-income households through a partnership with a third-party tax preparation service provider.
For details on any free tax preparation programs you may qualify for, check your state’s Department of Revenue website.
The Free tax administration filing program it is available to taxpayers with an adjusted gross income of $84,000 or less. Offers free federal tax preparation for low- to moderate-income taxpayers through IRS tax software partners, including state filing assistance and Spanish-speaking tax preparation assistance.
If you are above the income threshold for the IRS Free File program, you may be able to use it Direct file depending on the country you live in. The Direct File pilot program allows federal taxpayers to e-file their tax returns directly with the IRS, but is only available in 25 states.
Some tax preparation service providers are also authorized to e-file directly with the IRS. You can find the zip code database of these e-file providers here.
Anyone with an adjusted gross income below the $84,000 threshold can take advantage of the IRS’s free filing program.
Above that income threshold, Direct File options exist in 25 states for this filing season: Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
