How to File Your Taxes for Free in 2026—What Cost-Conscious Filers Need to Know

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Elizabeth Guevara
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Elizabeth Guevara is a personal finance reporter who explains the world of business and economics and how it impacts your finances. She joined Investopedia in 2024.

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Published February 01, 2026
07:00 AM EST
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Cost-conscious taxpayers have some free options for filing their taxes.

Anchiy / Getty Images

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • The IRS Direct File program was eliminated for the 2026 tax filing season.
  • However, several free tax preparation software options are available for those with 2025 income of $89,000 or less and for active military members.

The IRS is now accepting 2025 tax returns, and those looking to file online for free may have a couple of options.

Of note, this tax filing season, IRS Direct File, the free tax-filing software that allowed taxpayers in 25 states to file directly online with the IRS regardless of income, was discontinued before the 2026 tax filing season. Yet, there are still many free tax-filing options through the IRS and other tax preparation organizations.

Why This Matters

The average taxpayer spends 13 hours and $290 to file their taxes. Yet, taxpayers who use free IRS tax filing and preparation assistance can significantly reduce the time and money they spend on their 2025 taxes.

Here are all the ways you can file your taxes and get tax help for free this year.

IRS Free File

Taxpayers with an adjusted gross income of $89,000 or less in 2025 have access to free tax preparation software to file federal income returns through IRS-trusted tax filing companies. Some tax preparation sites in this program also provide free state tax preparation and filings.

There are eight trusted partners with free tax preparation software, each has its own eligibility requirements based on the taxpayer's income, age, location and military status: FreeTaxUSA, FileYourTaxes.com, ezTaxReturn.com, Online Taxes at OLT.com, 1040.com, TaxAct, TaxSlayer, 1040NOW.NET.

IRS Free File Fillable Forms

For taxpayers who are comfortable preparing and filing their own return without a guided tax prep software, the IRS Free File Fillable Forms are available to file electronically, regardless of income level.

MilTax

MilTax is a free electronic filing service for active or recently active service members, including National Guard and reserve service members and Coast Guardsmen, and their immediate family members.

Private Filing Companies

Some private tax preparation companies, such as TurboTax and H&R Block, offer free federal tax filing options for eligible taxpayers. Taxpayers are often eligible for a free filing on simple returns.

RELATED EDUCATION

How to Maximize Your Tax Return
How to Maximize Your Tax Return
Essential Tax Documents To Start Collecting Now
A couple with a young child sitting at a table working on papers and using a laptop

There are also IRS-based programs that provide free assistance to some taxpayers. These programs are volunteer-run by tax professionals and are generally located at community and neighborhood centers, libraries, schools, and shopping malls.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance

This program provides free tax help for taxpayers preparing their own tax returns who make $69,000 or less, have disabilities or have limited English-speaking abilities.

Tax Counseling for the Elderly

This program helps taxpayers 60 years of age and older, and specializes in tax preparation questions about pensions and other retirement-related issues.

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Article Sources
Investopedia requires writers to use primary sources to support their work. These include white papers, government data, original reporting, and interviews with industry experts. We also reference original research from other reputable publishers where appropriate. You can learn more about the standards we follow in producing accurate, unbiased content in our editorial policy.

  1. National Taxpayers Union Foundation. "Taxpayers Will Spend 7.1 Billion Hours, $464 Billion on Tax Compliance in 2025."

  2. Internal Revenue Service. "2026 Tax Filing Season Opens With Several Free Filing Options Available."

  3. Internal Revenue Service. "Browse All 8 Trusted Partners."

  4. Internal Revenue Service. "Free File Fillable Forms."

  5. Military OneSource. "MilTax: Free Software and Support."

  6. Military OneSource. "MilTax requires eligibility verification."

  7. H&R Block. "Online Tax Filing."

  8. TurboTax. "File Your Taxes for Free."

  9. Internal Revenue Service. "Free Tax Return Preparation for Qualifying Taxpayers."

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