Paying someone $200 to $400 to file a simple tax return is one of the easiest expenses to cut. Millions of people qualify to file completely free, either with free software or with help from trained volunteers. Here’s how to find the right free option for you.
Professor’s heads-up: IRS Direct File, the free filing tool run by the IRS itself, was discontinued and isn’t available anymore. The good news is that the other free options below are still going strong.
Lesson 1: IRS Free File (Free Guided Software)
IRS Free File is a partnership between the IRS and several tax software companies. If your adjusted gross income (AGI) is under the yearly limit, you can use their guided software to file your federal return free. Many partners also include a free state return.
- Income limit: For returns filed in 2026, the limit was $89,000 AGI. The IRS usually announces the new limit each January.
- Start at the official site: Go to IRS.gov/FreeFile and pick a partner from there. Each partner has its own rules (some have age or income limits), so read them before choosing.
Watch out: Going to a tax company’s website directly can land you in their regular “free” version, which may push paid upgrades. Starting at IRS.gov/FreeFile helps you get the truly free version.
Lesson 2: Free File Fillable Forms (Any Income)
If you earn more than the Free File limit and you’re comfortable with tax forms, Free File Fillable Forms lets you fill out and e-file the IRS forms online for free, with no income limit. It does basic math but doesn’t walk you through questions, so it’s best for confident do-it-yourselfers. Federal returns only.
Lesson 3: VITA (Free Help From Trained Volunteers)
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax preparation from IRS-certified volunteers. VITA generally serves:
- People with low to moderate income (generally around $69,000 or less in the 2026 season)
- People with disabilities
- People who speak limited English
VITA sites are often at libraries, community centers, churches, and colleges, and they’re especially good at making sure you claim credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit.
Find a site: Use the IRS free tax prep locator or call 800-906-9887. Sites usually open in late January or early February and can book up, so call early.
Lesson 4: TCE and AARP Tax-Aide (Great for Seniors)
- Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) is another IRS volunteer program, focused on people 60 and older, with special know-how on pensions, Social Security, and retirement questions.
- AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is the best-known TCE program. It offers free tax preparation with a focus on people 50 and older with low to moderate income, and you don’t need to be an AARP member. Find a location at AARP.org/TaxAide.
Lesson 5: Free State Filing and Military Options
- State returns: Some states offer their own free filing. In California, CalFile from the Franchise Tax Board lets many residents file their state return free. Check your state tax agency’s website.
- Military: Active-duty service members and some veterans can file federal and state returns free with MilTax through Military OneSource.
Lesson 6: Avoid Sneaky Fees and Scams
- Skip “refund advance” loans and paid refund transfers. Fees for getting your refund faster or having fees taken out of your refund can eat a big chunk of it. Choose free direct deposit instead.
- Be wary of preparers who promise a bigger refund than others, base their fee on your refund amount, or won’t sign your return. Paid preparers must have an IRS Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN).
- The IRS won’t call, text, or email demanding immediate payment. It usually contacts you by mail first. Hang up on threatening calls.
Lesson 7: Don’t Leave Money on the Table
Filing isn’t just about avoiding fees. Many people with lower incomes are owed refundable credits, like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which can mean a refund even if you owed little or no tax. Even if your income is low enough that you don’t have to file, filing may still get you money back. VITA volunteers are great at catching these.
What to Bring (or Have Ready)
- Photo ID, and Social Security cards or ITIN letters for everyone on the return
- All W-2s, 1099s, and SSA-1099 (Social Security) forms
- Last year’s tax return
- Bank account and routing numbers for free direct deposit
- Records of deductible expenses, if you plan to itemize
- Any IRS or state letters you received
Quick Review
- Direct File is gone, but free options remain.
- IRS Free File: free guided software if you’re under the income limit. Start at IRS.gov/FreeFile.
- Free File Fillable Forms: free for any income, but no hand-holding.
- VITA: free help from volunteers for low to moderate income.
- TCE and AARP Tax-Aide: free help focused on older adults.
- Check for free state filing (CalFile in California).
- Skip refund advance fees and avoid scams.
- File even if you don’t have to, if you may be owed credits.
More from the Financial Aid Office: How to Find Unclaimed Money in Your Name, Free Things You Can Get With a Library Card, Help Paying Utility Bills, Lifeline Phone and Internet Discounts, 10 Ways to Save Money on Prescriptions, and Free or Cheap Medical Equipment.
Need More Than Savings?
If money is tight, our sister site Chances.org has free, step-by-step guides:
- Government Benefits: programs and credits you may qualify for
- How to Stop Worrying About Money: practical steps toward peace of mind
- Free Monthly Budget Worksheet: plan where your refund goes
Class dismissed. Keep that $300 in your pocket.
Tax rules, income limits, and program availability change every year. Check IRS.gov for the current season’s details before you file. This lesson is general information, not tax advice.