There’s roughly one month remaining before the 2026 filing season concludes on April 15. For taxpayers who haven’t filed their federal income tax returns yet, they may be eligible to file for free. IRS Free File can support several different types of returns, from simple to complex ones that include credits, deductions or business expenses.

IRS Free File options

  • IRS Free File tax preparation software is available to taxpayers with an adjusted gross income of $89,000 or less in 2025. The guided software will help them prepare and e-file their federal tax returns at no cost. Some partners may also offer free state tax return preparation and filing. Taxpayers can choose from 8 trusted partners and decide which is best for them.
  • IRS Free File Fillable Forms is available to taxpayers with an AGI above $89,000 and feels comfortable preparing their own taxes. The forms are electronic versions of IRS paper forms. Instructions and publications are also available for use.

Credits and deductions
Eligible taxpayers using IRS Free File can still claim common and valuable tax credits, including the Earned Income Tax Credit, the Child Tax Credit and other refundable credits. Refundable tax credits can reduce the amount of tax owed or result in a refund, even if no tax is due.

Taxpayers choosing to use an IRS Free File option may also be able to deduct their business expenses, depending on tax limits and rules, even if they didn’t receive a Form 1099-MISC, Form 1099-K, W-2 or other income statement.

Steps for using IRS Free File

  • Visit IRS.gov/freefile — always go through the IRS.gov site to access the IRS Free File tax preparation software. It won’t come up if the taxpayer goes directly to a partner’s website.
  • Choose an IRS Free File option: Guided tax software or Free File Fillable Forms.
    • Guided tax software, choose an IRS Free File partner using the “Find your trusted partner” tool or the Browse All page. Each partner sets its own eligibility criteria (income, age, state residency). Once a selection is made, IRS sends the taxpayer directly to the partner’s website to create an account.
    • Free File Fillable Forms, click the Free File Fillable Forms application to create an account.
  • Once prepared and filed the taxpayer will receive a confirmation email when the IRS has accepted the return. If the return is rejected, in most cases corrections can be made and resubmitted electronically before the deadline.

IRS Free File works on computers, smart phones or tablets.