Paying to file your taxes isn’t always necessary. Many people pay for tax software or preparation services when they qualify for free options. Depending on your income and situation, you may be able to file your federal tax return, and sometimes your state return, completely free. Eligibility rules and available programs change from year to year, so check irs.gov each year for current details.
IRS Free File
IRS Free File is a partnership between the IRS and several tax software companies that offers free guided tax preparation and electronic filing for eligible taxpayers, generally based on income. If your adjusted gross income falls below a set threshold, you can use participating companies’ software to prepare and file your federal return at no cost. Some companies also offer free state returns, though this varies.
It’s important to start at IRS.gov/FreeFile to make sure you get the free version. Going directly to a software company’s website may lead you to a different product that charges fees, even if the company participates in Free File.
Each participating company may have its own eligibility requirements, such as age, income or state of residence, so review the options to find one you qualify for.
There are also Free File Fillable Forms, electronic versions of IRS paper forms that anyone can use regardless of income. Fillable Forms perform basic calculations but provide limited guidance, so they’re best for people comfortable preparing their own taxes. They don’t include state returns.
Free help from IRS-certified volunteers
If you prefer help from a person, free tax preparation is available from trained volunteers through IRS-sponsored programs.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, or VITA, offers free tax help to people who generally earn below a set income, people with disabilities and limited-English-speaking taxpayers. VITA sites are often located at community centers, libraries, schools and other convenient locations.
Tax Counseling for the Elderly, or TCE, offers free tax help to all taxpayers, especially those 60 and older, with a focus on questions about pensions and retirement-related issues unique to seniors. Many TCE sites are operated by the AARP Foundation’s Tax-Aide program.
You can find VITA and TCE locations using the locator tool on IRS.gov. Volunteers are IRS-certified, and many sites offer electronic filing so you receive refunds quickly. Sites are generally busiest close to the filing deadline, so consider going early in the tax season.
Free tax help for military members
MilTax, offered through the Department of Defense’s Military OneSource, provides free tax preparation software and personalized tax consultations for eligible service members, veterans within a certain period after separation and their families. MilTax is designed to handle military-specific tax situations, such as deployments, combat pay and multiple state filings.
Many military installations also offer free tax preparation through volunteer programs.
Watch out for upsells
Some tax software advertised as free charges for state returns, certain forms or situations, such as self-employment income, investment income or itemized deductions, or add-ons like audit protection, live expert help or refund transfer services. Read carefully before you pay for anything, and make sure you understand what’s included in the free version.
Refund transfer products, which let you pay tax preparation fees from your refund, often come with additional fees. Refund anticipation loans, which provide an advance on your refund, may also carry costs. Consider whether these are worth it.
What to bring or have ready
Whether you file yourself or get help, gathering your documents in advance makes the process smoother. You’ll typically need photo ID for yourself and your spouse if filing jointly, Social Security cards or numbers for everyone on the return, including dependents, W-2s from employers, 1099s for other income, such as freelance work, interest, dividends, unemployment benefits or retirement distributions, records of deductions and credits, such as childcare costs, education expenses, student loan interest and charitable donations, last year’s tax return, if available, which can help with reference information, bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit of your refund and any notices from the IRS.
If you had health coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace, you’ll need Form 1095-A.
File electronically and choose direct deposit
Filing electronically and choosing direct deposit is generally the fastest way to receive your refund. The IRS typically issues most refunds for electronically filed returns within a few weeks. You can track your refund using the Where’s My Refund tool on IRS.gov.
Don’t miss credits you qualify for
Free filing programs and volunteers can help you claim valuable credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit, the Child Tax Credit and education credits, which can significantly increase your refund. Many eligible people miss out on these credits each year.
Beware of scams
Tax season brings an increase in scams. The IRS generally contacts people first by mail, not by phone calls, emails, text messages or social media messages demanding immediate payment or personal information. The IRS won’t demand payment by gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency. Be cautious of unsolicited offers to help with your taxes, and only use reputable tax preparers. If you pay someone to prepare your return, make sure they have a Preparer Tax Identification Number and sign your return.
Content on The Evergreen Edit is for educational and informational purposes only and is not individualized financial, investment, tax or legal advice. Learn more.
This article is for educational purposes only and isn't personalized financial, tax or legal advice. Consider talking with a qualified professional about your situation.
Kiara Miller — Founder & Editor
Kiara Miller is the founder and editor of The Evergreen Edit. He has been doing independent finance research for two decades and reviews every article before it's published.
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