All the Ways to File Your Taxes for Free in 2025

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Tax season is open , and the last thing you want to do is pay money, uh, prepare your return, and pay your taxes by April 15th. Luckily, more taxpayers are eligible to file their taxes for free this year thanks to the expansion of the IRS’s new Direct File program, along with longstanding (but revenue-limited) Free File partnerships.

Here are all the ways you can file your taxes for free in 2025.

Free IRS File

IRS Free File is one of several free return filing options offered by the IRS. With Free File, you file your tax return using managed software through a partner site, which then sends it electronically to the IRS. The most commonly used federal tax forms and tables are available through Free File. However, to qualify for this option, your adjusted gross income must be $84,000 or less in 2024.

If you qualify for a free file, go directly to the IRS website —you’ll see a list of trusted third-party preparers with their eligibility criteria, or you can use a guided tool to find the best option for your situation. Note that some IRS partners will also file your state return for free, while others charge an additional fee.

IRS Direct File

The IRS trialled a new free tax filing option last year, and the program is now more accessible for filing your 2024 return. Direct File is a managed program offered by the IRS (not through a third party), and unlike Free File, it has no income restrictions.

However, to use Direct File this tax season, you must live and work in one of the following 25 states for all of 2024:

  • 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 state

  • Wisconsin

  • Wyoming

If your state is listed, be sure to review its specific residency and filing requirements .

Direct File has a few other limitations: It only accepts a few types of income, credits, and deductions , so if you’re reporting business or rental income, itemizing your deductions, or have a more complex tax situation, you won’t be able to use the program. Direct File also doesn’t include state filing—after you file your federal return, you’ll be prompted to use a different tax return preparation tool.

You can get started with Direct File on the IRS website by logging into your ID.me account (or creating one if you don’t already have one). This year, the IRS will also import your tax information to automatically fill out your W-2 and other forms.

Other ways to file your taxes for free

If you earn too much for IRS Free File and live in one of the 25 states that are not covered by Direct File, you can still file your tax return for free.

  • Free Fillable Forms: This option is exactly what it sounds like. You enter your information into fillable IRS forms using the instructions provided and file your return yourself. There are no income limits for the free fillable forms, but there are limited guidelines and state returns are not included. You will still need to create a Free File account .

  • Business tax software: If your taxes are relatively simple, you can go through tax preparation companies like TurboTax and H&R Block without paying any fees. Cash App Taxes is another free option. Note that these companies also have paid services, so make sure you understand what you’re signing up for.

  • Volunteer Tax Preparation Assistance : The IRS offers free tax preparation assistance to eligible taxpayers through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs. Taxpayers who earn less than $67,000 per year, have a disability, or have limited English proficiency are eligible for VITA, and TCE supports those age 60 and older. Enter your zip code into the search tool to find volunteer tax preparation options in your area.

  • MilTax : MilTax offers free tax return preparation and filing for eligible military personnel, including up to three state tax returns.

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