This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the retained earnings balance sheet site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. The deadline to file a 2024 tax return and pay any tax owed is April 15, 2025.

Get free help filling out your tax return

If you qualify, you could meet a volunteer in person at one of https://www.bookstime.com/articles/back-office-accounting many locations, including community centers, libraries, schools and shopping malls. You could also potentially take advantage of drop-off and virtual tax services. Any armed forces, federal reservist and National Guard personnel whose AGI is $84,000 or less are eligible for IRS Free File. You or your spouse must have a 2024 Form W2, Wage and Tax Statement, from a branch of the military services.

When can you file taxes in 2025?

IRS Free File lets qualified taxpayers get free tax preparation, free electronic filing and free direct deposit of their federal tax refund, if they’re owed one, using guided tax preparation software. Those who don’t qualify can still use Free Fillable Forms. Direct File will only help with individual federal tax returns, not state returns. The IRS has worked with the state governments to make sure those taxpayers are guided to a state-supported tool to file a state return.

All TurboTax Free Edition features

Simple Form 1040 returns only (no schedules except for Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and student loan interest). TaxSlayer Simply Free does not work for those who need to claim dependent or who have a filing status of head of household, married filing separately, or qualifying widower. Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are from how to file taxes for the first time at 18 our advertising partners who compensate us when you take certain actions on our website or click to take an action on their website. Here is a list of our partners and here’s how we make money. If you made other errors, you may want to file an amended return. Check if you qualify for free tax help from IRS-certified volunteers.

• This marks the largest increase in the credit’s history, significantly surpassing the current maximum of $330 per child.
• Most TCE sites are operated by the AARP Foundation’s Tax-Aide program.
• As part of her FY 2026 Budget, Governor Hochul proposed a middle class tax cut to deliver nearly $1 billion in tax relief to more than 8.3 million New Yorkers.
• If you attempted to file electronically, follow these correction procedures if it was rejected.
• Through this partnership, tax preparation and filing software providers make their online products available to eligible taxpayers.
• The IRS Free File software, volunteer-run programs, MilTax, IRS Direct File and free tax software like Cash App Taxes are all good options.

Direct File is open until October 15, 2025 for people who may have additional time to file. If you have multiple income sources, various credits to claim and itemized deductions, a professional can minimize your tax bill and take a stressful task off your plate. Eventually, for more complex tax situations, you may need additional documents like mortgage statements or other detailed financial information. But since we save your return as you go, you can finish anytime.

The benefits of the IRS Free File program

The IRS Free File program is a fast, safe and free way to do your federal tax return online. The IRS and industry-leading tax software companies deliver the program through the Free File Alliance. This public-private nonprofit organization is dedicated to helping millions of people prepare and e-file their federal taxes for free. “The IRS continues its partnership with Free File Inc. to give taxpayers an opportunity to file their taxes electronically for free,” said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel. Many popular tax software companies also offer a free version of their tax filing programs. The free tiers are typically limited in what they can handle and are usually best suited for those with simple tax returns.

New in 2025: Import your tax information directly from the IRS

Ultimately, the best free tax filing site depends on your tax situation. The IRS Free File software, volunteer-run programs, MilTax, IRS Direct File and free tax software like Cash App Taxes are all good options. You can file your own federal taxes for free in several ways. Anyone can use IRS Free File’s electronic forms, though, you’ll need to figure things out on your own.

If IRS Direct File isn’t an option for you

• Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
• These companies are also subject to the Federal Trade Commission Privacy and Safeguards Rules and IRS e-file regulations.
• All features, services, support, prices, offers, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice.
• Check if you qualify for free tax help from IRS-certified volunteers.
• You can even file your taxes entirely from your phone with our mobile app.
• GetYourRefund.org opened on Jan. 31, 2025, for the current tax filing season.

Don’t worry about paying taxes on the entire amount reported on Form 1099-K. You can claim your expenses directly related to your business, lowering your income reported on Form 1099-K. IRS Free File is a partnership between the IRS and a nonprofit organization called Free File Inc.