How to File Taxes for Free in 2025
There are several ways to file your taxes for free this year. IRS Free File and the free versions of popular tax prep programs are just a few options to explore.
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Filing your taxes for free can seem too good to be true, but there are several options it pays to know about — many of which are available until the October extension deadline.
Taxpayers who make below a certain income can access free commercial tax software through the IRS Free File program, a collaboration between the IRS and Free File Inc. For those confident enough to file without guidance, the agency also offers free fillable forms that anyone, no matter their income level, can access.
Many popular tax software companies also offer a free version of their tax filing programs. The caveat? The free tiers are typically limited in what they can handle and are usually best suited for those with simple tax returns.
In 2025, the IRS also expanded access to its Direct File program — a free electronic filing service launched as a pilot in 2024 — to 25 participating states.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of seven free tax filing services, who they work best for, and where to learn more.
How to file your taxes for free this year
1. IRS Free File
Good to know: This free filing option is available through the October tax extension deadline.
IRS Free File is a partnership between the IRS and a nonprofit organization called Free File Inc. It lets certain people access free software from several tax-prep companies, including major brands such as TaxSlayer and TaxAct. Some Free File products are also available in Spanish.
How it works: For the 2025 tax filing season, families and individual taxpayers who had adjusted gross incomes of $84,000 or less in 2024 are generally eligible. Each participating provider can set additional guidelines for eligibility, such as age or residency. Not all Free File offers include free state returns, so make sure to read the fine print.
The IRS also provides everyone (regardless of income) access to Free File Fillable Forms, which are blank IRS forms that can be submitted electronically at no cost. However, this option does not provide any tax guidance and does not offer state filing options.
Where to get it: Taxpayers can access the Free File program via the IRS website Jan. 10, 2025, through mid-October. Access to Free File Fillable Forms is also available on the IRS website from Jan. 27, 2025, through mid-October.
If you're filing by paper and mail, you can find the forms you need on the IRS website, by visiting a Taxpayer Assistance Center or requesting them via phone at 800-829-3676. Your local library may also carry common IRS forms.
» Next steps: Learn more about participating IRS Free File providers
2. Direct File
Good to know: This free filing option is available until the October tax extension deadline.
The Direct File service is a free tax software service run by the IRS for people with relatively simple returns. In 2025, residents of 25 states — 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 and Wyoming — may be eligible to file for free directly with the IRS.
How it works: To be eligible in 2025, you must live in one of the participating states and have a relatively simple tax situation. The Direct File program can support W-2 income, unemployment compensation, interest income, and Social Security and railroad retirement income.
In terms of credits, the software includes the child tax credit, the earned income tax credit, the credit for other dependents, the child and dependent care credit, the premium tax credit, the credit for elderly or disabled and the saver's credit. For deductions, it can support the standard deduction, educator expenses, HSA contributions and student loan interest.
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.
Where to get it: Direct File is available through the IRS website, where you can also take an eligibility test to see if you qualify. The IRS says the service is accessible via mobile, tablet, laptop or desktop, and available in both English and Spanish.
» Learn more: Direct File's eligibility requirements and income limits
3. Free versions of commercial software
Good to know: These free filing options are available until the October tax extension deadline or later.
Many major tax software providers offer a free tier of tax preparation software for people with very simple tax situations. These packages may be different from what’s available via IRS Free File if the provider participates.
How each software defines “simple tax return” will vary. Typically (but not always), these packages are well-suited for people who only have income from one job and aren’t itemizing deductions on their tax returns. If your tax situation is a little more complex, this might not be a solution for you. Below is an overview of the free packages for the four tax preparation providers that NerdWallet reviews.
How it works: Most free packages cover Form 1040 and may help you claim common tax breaks such as the child tax credit or the earned income tax credit. Some may also be able to help with student loan interest, bank interest or unemployment income. State tax returns are usually also included in these free packages, though be warned that if you’re filing around the tax deadline, some providers may add a fee for the service.
Where to get it: Most tax software providers offer a free version on their website. Which free software makes the most sense for you will ultimately depend on your specific tax needs.
» Don't qualify for free filing? See our best tax software roundup
4. Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
Good to know: Only select locations may be open through the October extension deadline.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) is a federal grant program that helps community organizations provide free tax preparation to low- and moderate-income individuals, disabled people, older Americans and limited-English speakers. Generally, the income limit to qualify for free tax help is $67,000.
Per the National Taxpayer Advocate Service, VITA locations are typically only open through the mid-April deadline, but some sites may be operational through the October extension deadline. Check with your local site for more details.
How it works: The VITA program is housed under the IRS, but the actual VITA sites — the locations where tax-prep services are provided — are run by partner organizations and local, IRS-certified volunteers. Volunteer tax preparers may not have a certified public accountant or enrolled agent designation, but they are still held to a high standard of integrity. In fact, they must successfully finish a tax law competency training program to legally prepare returns. Your return will also be reviewed by a more advanced volunteer following initial completion.
VITA tax prep services can help with basic 1040 tax returns, as well as returns that deal with interest income from a bank, unemployment income, pensions and certain types of retirement income, the child tax credit and the earned income tax credit. You may even be able to get help with a return that features simple capital gains or losses, or self-employment income from a 1099-MISC, 1099-NEC or 1099-K, but these specific services are limited and not guaranteed.
If your tax situation is complicated, VITA services might not be the right fit for you. For example, volunteers won’t prepare Schedule C with losses (sorry, freelancers), complicated Schedule Ds (sorry, investors) or forms associated with nondeductible IRA contributions or determinations of worker status (i.e., whether you’re technically an employee or an independent contractor).
Where to get it: The IRS website lists VITA sites across the country, operational hours, languages spoken and whether you need an appointment before showing up. You can also call 800-906-9887 to get a list of local sites near you.
Regardless of which VITA site you go to, make sure to bring a government ID, your Social Security card or ITIN documents, your prior-year tax return, all your relevant tax forms and statements of income for all relevant parties included on the tax return. And if you're filing jointly, make sure your partner is also present to file with you.
5. GetYourRefund.org
Good to know: This free filing option is available through the October tax extension deadline.
For those who are unable to get an in-person appointment at a local VITA site, GetYourRefund.org offers additional ways to access VITA services. This nonprofit service, developed by Code for America in conjunction with the IRS, connects qualifying taxpayers with IRS-certified volunteers to help with full-service tax prep — all of which happens virtually. The service is also available in Spanish.
GetYourRefund.org opened on Jan. 31, 2025, for the current tax filing season. Your income must be below a certain threshold to qualify, and you must have a valid copy of your Social Security card or taxpayer identification number to be eligible.
How it works: You'll upload your tax documents to the service and fill out some basic information. A VITA tax preparer will then follow up within a few days to go over the next steps before they get working on your return. Like traditional in-person VITA services, a second certified preparer will then look over your return to finalize it. The preparer will call to let you know your refund or bill amount and go over any questions you have. Once you approve, you'll sign off on your return online, and the pro will submit your paperwork. Per the website, the entire process takes two to three weeks from start to finish.
GetYourRefund.org also offers a "File Myself" option, which essentially connects anyone who makes under a certain income — similar to the Free File offer — to partner brand-name tax software so you can file your taxes on your own.
Where to get it: Navigate to the getyourrefund.org site. You can decide if the GetMyRefund service or the File Myself service is right for you. If you're not sure, the site offers a quick Q&A that can help. From there, you'll be guided through the process by the program, or if you choose File Myself, you'll get sent to the partner site to complete your return on your own.
6. Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE)
Good to know: Only select locations may be open through the October extension deadline.
Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) is a federal grant program that helps community organizations provide free tax preparation focusing on pension- and retirement-related tax issues. The program was established to give free tax help to people 60 and older, and it still prioritizes that demographic, but some AARP-run sites may offer help to low-to-moderate-income tax filers in their 50s.
How it works: Similar to VITA, community organizations and nonprofits use grant money to provide free tax preparation. Vetted and trained volunteers complete the tax preparation. Most TCE sites are operated by the AARP Foundation’s Tax-Aide program. TCE services usually focus on helping with basic tax returns. Certain "Self-Prep" locations may also allow you to file your taxes on your own, using software with a volunteer available for assistance if you need it.
Where to get it: The IRS website lists TCE sites across the country, operational hours, language spoken and whether you need an appointment to show up. During the tax filing season (January through April), the IRS recommends using the AARP locator or calling 888-227-7669.
7. MilTax
Good to know: This free filing option is available through the October tax extension deadline.
MilTax is a Department of Defense program that provides free tax software and tax help, as well as financial and legal resources and other help to military members and their families and certain types of veterans. This year, the service became available on Jan. 15 and supports a federal return and up to three state returns.
According to Military OneSource, the provider of the tax software, these tax services are available to those who are service members (new, current or transitioning) and their spouses, survivors and reserves. Almost all service branches are covered, including the Army, the National Guard, the Marine Corps, the Navy, the Air Force, and the Space Force.
How it works: In addition to free tax software, trained MilTax consultants can give free tax help by phone and via live chat. The software is also well positioned to help with specific military tax concerns, such as reconciling combat income or figuring out what multiple relocations mean for your taxes. MilTax also participates in the VITA program, which means you can get free face-to-face tax help on base or nearby.
Where to get it: Head to Militaryonesource.mil to get the software, find helpline numbers and hours of operation, and see if a nearby installation has a VITA site.
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