How to File Your Taxes for Free: 5 Options for Free Tax-Filing in 2023
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How to file taxes for free
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 the Free File Alliance. For those confident enough to file without guidance, the agency also offers free fillable forms that anyone can access, no matter their income level.
Many popular tax software companies also offer a free version of their tax-prep 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.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of several free tax filing or free tax help options available for the rest of the 2023 tax season.
5 free tax-filing options
Click on the links below to learn more about each program.
1. IRS Free File
IRS Free File is a partnership between the IRS and a nonprofit organization called the Free File Alliance. IRS Free File provides access to free guided tax preparation software from several tax-prep companies, including major brands such as TaxAct and TaxSlayer. Some Free File products are also available in Spanish.
How it works
For the 2023 tax-filing season, families and individual taxpayers who had adjusted gross incomes of $73,000 or less in 2022 are generally eligible. But each participating provider can set additional guidelines for eligibility, such as age or residency. Not all Free File offers include free state returns also, so make sure to read the fine print.
The IRS also provides everyone (regardless of income) with access to free fillable IRS forms that you can submit electronically at no additional cost, but be warned that this option does not provide much tax guidance, nor does it offer state filing options.
Where to get it
Taxpayers can generally begin accessing the Free File program via the IRS website in mid-January, when the tax-filing season opens, through mid-October, the tax extension deadline. This year, Free File opened on Jan. 13, 2023, and access will end on Oct. 16, 2023. Access to free fillable forms is also available on the IRS website from mid-January to Oct. 20, 2023.
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 (800-829-3676). Your local library may also carry common IRS forms.
» Next Steps: Learn more about IRS Free File and where to access it
2. Free, direct-from-provider online tax preparation software
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 on their tax returns. If your tax situation is a little more complex, this might not be a solution for you.
How it works
Most free packages cover Form 1040 and may help you to claim 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 or bank interest. 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. Below is an overview of the free packages for the four tax preparation providers that NerdWallet reviews.
Where to get it
Most tax software providers offer a free version on their websites. Our 2023 pick for best free tax software is H&R Block Free. Unlike other providers we reviewed, the free tier offers access to a wider range of tax forms without sacrificing user experience or contextual help. The free software makes the most sense for you, however, will ultimately depend on your specific tax needs.
» Next Steps: See our tax software roundup for a deep-dive comparison of the four providers above.
3. Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
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 $60,000.
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 (CPA) or enrolled agent (EA) 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, language 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.
4. Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE)
Tax Counseling for the Elderly is a federal grant program that helps community organizations provide free tax preparation focusing on pension- and retirement-related tax issues. Although the program was established to give free tax help to people 60 and older, and still prioritizes that demographic, there’s actually no age requirement.
How it works
Similar to VITA, community organizations and nonprofits use grant money to provide free tax preparation. Vetted and trained volunteers do 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 locater or calling 888-227-7669.
5. MilTax
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. The service is available from the start of the tax-filing season through the October extension deadline.
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. There is no income requirement to qualify.
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 also can get face-to-face free 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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