You May Already Be Able to File Your Taxes for Free Using a New IRS Tool

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If you haven’t filed your 2023 taxes yet, you might want to think about how you plan to do so. Residents of some states already have access to the IRS’s free Direct File program, which is in limited pilot testing as of March 4, but should be available to more taxpayers starting March 12 .

Unlike existing free filing options, Direct File doesn’t have any income restrictions (though it can only process simple returns at the moment) and doesn’t use a third-party preparer.

As a reminder, tax returns for most filers are due Monday, April 15th of this year (April 17th for Maine and Massachusetts residents).

How to Apply for Direct File

Many taxpayers living in the following 12 states are eligible to file federal returns through the Direct File pilot program:

  • Arizona

  • California

  • Florida

  • Massachusetts

  • Nevada

  • New Hampshire

  • NY

  • North Dakota

  • Tennessee

  • Texas

  • Washington

  • Wyoming

Be sure to check each state’s specific eligibility requirements , such as application status and length of residence in your state.

There are a few exceptions to the Direct File program. It only accepts Form W-2, Social Security pension, unemployment compensation and interest of $1,500 or less, so if you earned income as a freelancer or are self-employed, you will not be able to use the software. You also can’t itemize deductions—you must take the standard deduction—except for student loan interest and teacher expenses. You can only claim the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, and Dependent Tax Credit.

Additionally, Direct File only files federal returns, so you will have to file your state returns separately. If you live in Arizona, California, Massachusetts or New York, the software will direct you to the program for your state.

Free Tax Filing Alternatives

If you do not qualify for the Direct File pilot program, you can still take advantage of existing free IRS tax filing options . Free IRS File to help you file your return through a third-party partner is available to taxpayers whose adjusted gross income was $79,000 or less in 2023.

Those who earned more than $73,000 can use free do-it-yourself forms or software from tax preparation companies such as TurboTax, H&R Block or Cash App Taxes (watch out for any additional fees). Finally, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program provides free tax preparation for those who earn $60,000 or less, are disabled, or have English as a second language.

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