Tax season doesn’t have to drain your wallet. With multiple free filing options available, millions of Americans can complete their returns without paying a dime to tax preparers or software companies. Success comes down to knowing when to start, which services match your situation, and how to sidestep hidden fees that can surprise you at checkout.

The 2025 filing season kicked off January 27, accepting paperwork for the 2024 tax year. Looking ahead to 2026, expect similar timing – likely late January for submitting your 2025 documents. Starting early gives you more time to gather paperwork, catch mistakes, and secure your refund faster.

The Sweet Spot for Starting Your Filing Journey

Smart filers know that preparation beats procrastination every time. Getting started early helps you avoid the rush and potential processing delays.

Begin collecting your documents in early January. Employers must send W-2 forms by January 31, and most other paperwork arrives around the same time. Once you have everything, you can submit immediately rather than waiting until the deadline approaches.

Early filing offers real advantages beyond just crossing it off your list. The IRS issues most refunds in less than 21 days when you file electronically with direct deposit. However, if you’re claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit, refunds can’t be issued before mid-February due to federal law.

Your Free Filing Options Decoded

Several legitimate paths exist for submitting without fees, each designed for different income levels and complexities.

IRS Direct File – The Government’s Own Service

Direct File launched as a pilot in 2024 and became a permanent option starting in 2025. This service is available to taxpayers in 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.

Direct File works best for straightforward situations with W-2 income, standard deductions, and basic credits. The agency estimates that over 30 million taxpayers within these states will qualify, and it’s designed for people with incomes up to around $200,000 who have uncomplicated circumstances.

IRS Free File Program – Brand-Name Software at Zero Cost

If your adjusted gross income was $84,000 or less, you can access federal preparation through Free File trusted partners. This program connects you with established software companies that provide their services free for eligible filers.

Here’s what changed: TurboTax and H&R Block are no longer participating in the official program, so you won’t find them among government-sponsored options. The remaining partners include companies like TaxSlayer and TaxAct, each with slightly different eligibility requirements beyond income thresholds. Some include free state submission, while others charge separately.

Free File Fillable Forms – Pure DIY

Anyone can use Free File Fillable Forms regardless of income level. These are essentially blank forms that you complete yourself and submit electronically. While this requires more knowledge, it’s completely free for everyone.

What the Big Names Still Offer for Free

Even though some major companies left the official program, they still provide free options for qualifying taxpayers.

TurboTax Free Edition

TurboTax Free Edition focuses on simple situations: Form 1040 only, W-2 income, standard deduction, and basic credits like the child credit. Intuit says about 37% of filers qualify.

If you’ve contributed to retirement accounts, have rental income, or need to itemize deductions, you’ll likely get pushed into a paid tier. Be aware that the software can automatically upgrade you if your situation becomes more complex.

H&R Block Free Online

H&R Block’s free version starts at $0 for federal and state preparation. The company says about 55% of filers qualify for this service, which covers simple situations and includes earned income credit, child credit, education expenses and retirement income.

H&R Block tends to be more generous with what’s included compared to TurboTax, though complex situations still require upgrading.

Cash App Taxes

Cash App Taxes offers completely free federal and state filing with no income restrictions or upgrade traps. They include features that other companies charge for, like HSA contributions and itemized deductions. The trade-off? Limited customer support compared to bigger names.

Free Help Beyond Software

Several programs provide hands-on assistance at no cost.

Volunteer Programs

The VITA program offers free preparation by certified volunteers for people earning $64,000 or less, elderly individuals, and those with limited English proficiency. Volunteers handle most common situations and work at libraries, community centers, and other local venues.

Tax Counseling for the Elderly specifically helps taxpayers aged 60 and older. These volunteers receive specialized training on retirement-related issues and often work through AARP Tax-Aide sites.

Military Families Get Additional Support

Active duty military and their families can file free through MilTax, regardless of income level. This Department of Defense program includes both federal and up to three state submissions at no charge.

Dodging Hidden Fees and Upgrade Traps

The biggest mistake people make with “free” services is ending up with unexpected charges at the end.

Start from the Right Place

If you skip the Free File portal on IRS.gov and go directly to a company you’ve used before, you could face an expensive surprise. Always begin your free journey from official sources to ensure you’re getting the actual no-cost version.

Read the Details

Many free services only cover federal submissions, charging separately for state filing. Others automatically upgrade you to paid tiers if you have certain forms or situations. Know what’s included before entering information.

Watch for Refund Advance Fees

Some companies offer to give you your refund faster for a fee. These “refund advances” come with costs that can significantly reduce your actual refund amount.

When Free Isn’t Enough

Sometimes paying for preparation makes sense, especially if you have rental properties, significant investment income, own a business, or face other complex situations. The cost of professional help can pay for itself through credits and deductions you might miss.

Government data shows people spend an average of about $250 on preparation. If your situation is straightforward, free options help you keep that money in your pocket.

Getting Ready for 2026

Start organizing documents throughout the year rather than scrambling in January. Create a simple filing system for receipts, 1099s, and other paperwork. Consider setting up an IRS Online Account to access your information and prior year documents easily.

The earlier you prepare, the more options you’ll have. Rushing to meet the deadline often leads to paying for services you could have accessed for free with better planning.

Key Takeaways

• Filing season typically opens in late January, with April 15 as the standard deadline

• Multiple free options exist: IRS Direct File (25 states), IRS Free File (income under $84,000), and Free File Fillable Forms (all income levels)

• TurboTax and H&R Block offer free tiers for simple situations but aren’t part of the official government program

• Always start from IRS.gov or official company websites to avoid upgrade traps and hidden fees • VITA and TCE programs provide free in-person help for qualifying taxpayers

• Early electronic filing with direct deposit gets refunds faster, typically within 21 days