All the Ways to File Your Taxes for Free in 2025



Tax season is now open, and the last thing you want to do is pay someone to prepare your return. Thankfully, there are several ways for taxpayers to file their taxes for free this year, thanks to the expansion of the IRS and its new Direct File program. The following are the top ways you can file for free. 

 

IRS FREE FILE is a free service provided by the IRS. You complete your tax return using guided software via a partner site, which then e-files it with the IRS. Your adjusted gross income has to have been $84,000 or less in 2024 to be eligible for this option. 

 

IRS DIRECT FILE is a piloted new filing option that is a guided software program offered by the IRS rather than through a third-party preparer, and unlike Free File, it doesn’t have any income limits. To use this program, you must have lived and worked in one of the following states for all of 2024: 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 State, Wisconsin, Wyoming. 

 

FREE FILLABLE FORMS: This option is just like it sounds. You enter your information into the IRS' fillable forms using the provided instructions and file the return yourself. There are no income limits for Free Fillable Forms, but it does have limited guidance, and state returns are not included. You will still need to create a Free File account. 

 

COMMERCIAL TAX SOFTWARE: If your taxes are relatively simple, you can go through tax preparation companies like TurboTax and H&R Block without paying any fees. Note that these companies also have paid services, so make sure you understand what you are signing up for. 

 

VOLUNTEER TAX PREP HELP: The IRS offers free tax prep support for eligible taxpayers who make less than $67,000 per year or who have disabilities. Enter your zip code into the locator tool to find volunteer tax prep options in your area. 

 

MILTAX: MilTax offers free tax preparation and filing for eligible military members, including up to three state returns.