FILE – Part of a 1040 U.S. Individual Income Tax Return form is shown July 24, 2018, in New York. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, File)AP
The official start date for the IRS to start accepting returns is less than a week away. You don’t have to wait until Jan. 27 to get a jump on filing and any refunds you may be owed.
IRS Free File is open now. Returns completed through the program will be processed as soon as tax season officially opens next week.
“Over the years, Free File has helped millions of taxpayers, providing a fast and simple way to file their returns. This program continues to be a valuable resource for eligible individuals looking to file their taxes for free through this unique program,” IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel said.
READ MORE: IRS sending stimulus checks: What is it for, who qualifies for $1,400 payment?
Free File offers tax preparation software from eight companies and gives free online access to preparation and filing software. To be eligible, filers must have Adjusted Gross Income (not gross income) of $84,000 or less in 2024.
Taxpayers with an AGI above $84,000 can use the Free File Fillable Forms starting Jan. 27. That service is available to all taxpayers, regardless of income, place of residence or age.
How to find the right IRS Free File product
- Go to IRS.gov/freefile,
- Click on Explore Free Guided Tax Software button. Then select the Find a Trusted Partner tool for help in finding the right product, or
- Use the Browse All Trusted Partners tool to review each offer,
- Select the desired product, and
- Follow the links to the trusted partner’s website to begin their tax return.
IRS Free File products support mobile phone access. Taxpayers can do their taxes on their smart phone or tablet.
IRS Free File participants
For 2025, the following trusted partners are participating in IRS Free File:
For 2025, ezTaxReturn.com will provide an IRS Free File product in Spanish. Some states, including Alabama, will allow you to file your state return for free if you meet federal AGI requirements, so check with the provider for those details. You can see more on that here.
What documents do you need to get started on your return? The IRS has a list here.
Other ways to file for free
In addition to Free File and Direct File, there are other ways to file for free:
- Volunteer Income Tax Assistance/Tax Counseling for the Elderly – Taxpayers can find organizations in their community with IRS-certified volunteers that provide free tax help for eligible taxpayers including working families, the elderly, the disabled and people who speak limited English.
- MilTax. A Department of Defense program, MilTax generally offers free return preparation and electronic filing software for federal income tax returns and up to three state income tax returns for all military members, and some veterans, with no income limit.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.