Key Takeaways
You can use IRS Free File or Free File Fillable Forms to prepare and e-file your federal return at no cost, if you meet eligibility requirements (e.g. AGI threshold).
The VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) and TCE (Tax Counseling for the Elderly) programs offer in-person, free tax preparation via certified volunteers to qualifying taxpayers.
Several apps, like Chime and CashApp, now offer free federal and state tax filing, as well.
IRS Free File
The IRS Free File program is a partnership between the IRS and the Free File Alliance. The Free File Alliance is a coalition of leading tax preparation software companies that provide their branded products for free to qualifying taxpayers. Key features of the IRS Free File program include:
- Availability to taxpayers with an adjusted gross income (AGI) of $84,000 or less
- Access to guided tax preparation software from IRS partners
- Options for both federal and state tax returns (state returns may have additional fees)
- Secure and encrypted data transmission
For those with incomes over $84,000, there is a Free File fillable form option. The IRS does not endorse any specific partner within the program. Taxpayers can review the available partners on IRS.gov and select one that best fits their needs. If qualified, they will then receive federal tax preparation and e-filing at no charge. Some partners may also provide state income tax filing for free.
How to Access IRS Free File
Although many well-known tax preparation companies participate in the Free File program, you cannot access the Free File program through their websites. You can only receive free tax preparation and filing assistance by starting at IRS.gov.
If your AGI is $84,000 or less:
- Go to https://apps.irs.gov/app/freeFile and select a Free File partner. You can browse all or narrow your choices by using the lookup tool.
- Next, create an account with the selected partner. If you’re a previous user, you can log in to your existing account.
- Finally, gather the necessary information to prepare and file your federal taxes.
If your AGI is over $84,000:
- Read the IRS Free File Fillable Forms User’s Guide
- Make sure you are using one of the recommended browsers and have a high-speed internet connection before using the fillable forms.
- Turn off all pop-up blockers, tracking blockers, and auto-fill features.
- Create an account. You will need to do this every year.
With the Fillable Forms option, you will need to prepare your tax forms on your own. There are, however, free resources on IRS.gov to assist, including line-by-line instructions. Should your return get rejected, you can use the “Search Errors” tool to find a solution.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) are IRS programs that offer free basic tax preparation to certain qualified individuals, including:
- Taxpayers who earn $67,000 or less (VITA)
- People with disabilities (VITA)
- Those with limited English-speaking capabilities (VITA)
- Taxpayers who are 60 years of age or older (TCE)
Although both VITA and TCE programs are managed by the IRS, the sites themselves are staffed by volunteers and operated by IRS partners. Before heading to a location near you, be sure to check out the “what to bring” section to ensure you have everything you need to file.
United Way MyFreeTaxes
The United Way, in partnership with the IRS’s VITA program, offers free tax filing (state and federal) through MyFreeTaxes if you meet certain qualifications.
To file taxes on your own, you must:
- Make under $89,000
- Only file for the current tax year
To have your taxes prepared by a volunteer, you must:
- Make less than $69,000
- Be filing either for the current tax year or the previous two years
Since 2009, more than 1.5 million taxpayers have used this free tax filing service. From late January through the tax deadline, MyFreeTaxes operates a live helpline from 10 AM until 8 PM (ET). The helpline is also open 10 AM to 6 PM from late April through October 31. Just call 866-698-9435 to speak with an IRS-certified tax specialist.
Other Free Tax Filing Options
In addition to the IRS-sponsored options mentioned above, taxpayers may also utilize free resources to file their returns this year.
- FreeTaxUSA – FreeTaxUSA offers free federal tax filing, as well as state tax preparation for only $15.99. Unlike many of the other tools, FreeTaxUSA includes lots of extras for free, including stock and cryptocurrency, self-employment, and more complex returns. There are no hidden fees, and all income levels are eligible to use it. You can even transfer your H&R Block, TurboTax, or other tax software return from last year by simply uploading a PDF.
- Chime – You can file your federal and state taxes for free through Chime if you become a member. They even have an accuracy guarantee that covers up to $10,000 if the IRS finds an error. Another bonus: receive your refund 5 days earlier if it’s deposited into your Chime account.
- CashApp – Got CashApp? You can also file federal and state taxes for free using the mobile app. And, just like Chime, you can get your refund up to 5 days sooner by depositing it into your CashApp account.
- MilTax – Backed by the Defense Department, MilTax is exclusively available to military members and their immediate families. You can file one federal return and up to three state returns for free. They also offer 24/7 support with a dedicated helpline (800-342-9647) and a secure online live chat feature.
What You Need To File Your Taxes
Whether you use IRS Free File or another free service, you’ll want to have the following information on hand before starting your federal income tax return.
- A copy of last year’s return – If you don’t have a copy, you can use the IRS Get Transcript self-help tool to get a tax transcript.
- Social Security numbers for yourself, spouse, and dependents (if applicable)
- W-2s
- 1099s (1099-INT, 1099-G, 1099-DIV, and 1099-R)
- Other income and receipts (Social Security benefits, unemployment compensation, business receipts, etc.)
- Form 1095-A, Health Insurance Marketplace States (if applicable)
- Form 8962, Premium Tax Credit (if applicable)
- A valid email address – This is required to receive notification that your return was accepted.
It’s also important to have a private, secure internet connection to ensure your personal information is protected when filing your return. By following these tips, you can streamline your free tax filing process and increase your chances of a successful, stress-free experience.