What IRS Free File is and who can use it

IRS Free File is a program where the IRS partners with tax software companies to let you file your federal return at no cost. You do not pay the software company, and the IRS does not charge you. The catch is that your income has to fall below a certain threshold — for 2025, that threshold is $79,000 in adjusted gross income.

If your income is below that line, you can pick from a list of IRS-approved software providers and file your federal return without paying anything. Each company offers different features, so you may have options even within Free File. State returns are usually separate — some companies include them free, others charge for state filing.

If your income is $79,000 or above, you do not meet the income requirement for Free File. You would need to pay for commercial tax software or use a tax professional. The IRS does not offer a free option for higher-income filers through this program.

Key Takeaways

  • IRS Free File is free federal tax filing through IRS-approved software companies, but only if your adjusted gross income is below $79,000 for 2025.
  • You must go through the official IRS Free File website (irs.gov/freefile) to access the program — using a company's regular website will not give you the free version.
  • Each software provider on the Free File list offers different forms and features, so compare what each one covers before you choose.
  • State tax filing is often separate from federal filing and may cost money even if federal is free, depending on which company you pick.
  • You will need your prior year tax return, W-2s or 1099s, and records of any deductions or credits you plan to claim.

How to find and access the IRS Free File program

Start at irs.gov/freefile — this is the official IRS page for the program. Do not go to a tax software company's main website and look for a free option there. The free version only exists through the IRS Free File portal.

On the IRS Free File page, you will see a list of participating companies. Each one has different may be able to access rules within the $79,000 income cap. Some companies offer Free File only to people under a lower income threshold — for example, one provider might be free only up to $60,000. Read the income limit for each company before you click through.

Once you pick a company, you will be taken to their site through the IRS link. This is how the IRS tracks that you are using Free File and ensures the company does not charge you. If you navigate to the company's website directly without going through irs.gov/freefile, you may end up on a paid version by mistake.

What documents and information you need before you start

Gather these items before you open the software. Having them ready will make the filing process faster and reduce the chance you will miss something.

You will need your Social Security number and your spouse's if you are filing jointly. You will also need your prior year tax return — the software often imports information from it to save time. If you filed last year, you can find your prior return on irs.gov or request a transcript if you need it.

Collect all income documents: W-2s from employers, 1099s for freelance or investment income, and statements from banks or investment firms if you earned interest or dividends. If you received unemployment benefits, student loan interest statements, or education credits, gather those too. The software will ask for these one section at a time, so you do not have to organize them perfectly — just have them nearby.

If you plan to claim deductions, have records ready: receipts for charitable donations, mortgage interest statements, property tax records, or medical expenses if you itemize. If you take the standard deduction instead, you do not need these — the software will calculate which is better for you.

Comparing the different Free File providers and their features

The IRS Free File list changes year to year, but typically includes companies like TurboTax, H&R Block, TaxAct, and others. Each one handles different tax situations and offers different tools.

Some providers are better if you have a straightforward return — just W-2 income and the standard deduction. Others support self-employment income, rental property, or investment income. A few offer audit support or the ability to amend a prior year return. Check the feature list for each company to see what matches your situation.

State filing is the main variable. Some Free File providers include state return preparation at no cost. Others prepare it free but charge to file it electronically. A few do not offer state filing through Free File at all. If you owe state taxes, confirm the state filing cost before you commit to a provider.

Read the income limits carefully. A company might offer Free File to people under $60,000 but charge for returns above that, even though the IRS Free File program goes up to $79,000. If your income is close to a company's limit, pick one with a higher threshold.

Walking through the filing process step by step

Once you have chosen a provider and logged in through the IRS Free File link, the software will guide you through sections in order. You do not have to complete it all in one sitting — you can save and come back.

The software will first ask for basic information: your name, address, Social Security number, and filing status. Then it moves to income. You will enter W-2 information, 1099 income, interest, dividends, and any other earnings. The software usually has a spot to upload documents or type in the numbers manually.

Next comes deductions and credits. The software will ask questions to determine whether you should itemize or take the standard deduction. It will also walk you through credits you might may have access to for — the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, education credits, and others. Answer honestly; the software calculates what you are may have access to to based on your answers.

At the end, the software shows you your refund or amount owed. You can review the return before you file. Once you submit, the IRS receives it electronically. If you are owed a refund, you can choose direct deposit to your bank account, which is faster than a paper check. If you owe, the software will show payment options.

What happens after you file and how long it takes

After you submit your return electronically through Free File, the IRS receives it the same day. The software will give you a confirmation number — save this. You can use it to track your return on irs.gov.

Processing time varies. If you file early in the tax season and your return is straightforward, the IRS may process it in two to three weeks. If you file closer to the important date or your return is more complex, it can take longer. The IRS website shows current processing times.

If you are owed a refund and chose direct deposit, the money typically arrives in your bank account within the timeframe the IRS estimates. If you chose a paper check, it takes longer. You can check the status of your refund on irs.gov using your Social Security number, filing status, and refund amount.

If the IRS has questions about your return, they will mail you a notice. Keep a copy of your filed return and all supporting documents for at least three years in case you need to respond.

Common mistakes to avoid when using Free File

The most common mistake is not going through irs.gov/freefile. If you go directly to a tax software company's website, you may end up on a paid version. Always start at the official IRS page.

Another mistake is missing income. If you received a 1099 or W-2, report it even if it is a small amount. The IRS receives copies of these documents too, and mismatches trigger audits. The software will prompt you for common income types, but read carefully to make sure you did not miss anything.

Do not guess at deductions or credits. If you are not sure whether you may have access to, the software usually has a help section or you can look it up on irs.gov. Claiming something you do not may have access to for can result in the IRS asking you to repay it plus interest.

Finally, do not file twice. Once you submit your return through Free File, it is filed. If you then file again through another software, you will have two returns in the system, which causes delays and confusion. If you make a mistake after filing, you can file an amended return, but that is a separate process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my income is above $79,000?

You do not meet the income requirement for IRS Free File. You would need to pay for commercial tax software, use a tax professional, or file by hand using IRS forms and instructions. Some software companies offer discounts for higher-income filers, but those are not part of the Free File program.

Can I file my state return for free through Free File?

It depends on the software company you choose. Some include state return preparation and filing at no cost. Others prepare it free but charge to file it. A few do not offer state filing through Free File. Check each company's details before you sign up to see what they offer for your state.

What if I made a mistake after I filed?

You can file an amended return using Form 1040-X. You do not have to use Free File for an amended return — you can file it on paper or through paid software. Wait until the IRS processes your original return first, then file the amendment. Keep records of both returns.

Do I need to print and mail anything if I use Free File?

No. Free File submits your return electronically to the IRS. You do not print or mail anything. Keep a copy of your filed return and supporting documents for your records, but the IRS receives everything digitally.

Can I use Free File if I am self-employed?

Some Free File providers support self-employment income and Schedule C filing. Others do not. Check the feature list for each company on the IRS Free File page to see which ones handle self-employment. If none of the Free File options cover your situation, you would need to use paid software or a tax professional.