You might be eligible to file your taxes for free—here’s how to find out!
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Tax season is here, and for many, it brings the familiar stress of gathering paperwork, crunching numbers, and figuring out how much it will cost to file.
But what if you could file your taxes for free?
Many Americans qualify for free tax preparation services and don’t even realize it.
Before you spend money on filing fees, take a moment to explore these cost-free options—you might be surprised at how much you can save!
The IRS offers several programs designed to ease the financial burden of tax season, but millions of eligible taxpayers miss out simply because they don’t know these options exist.
As April 15 draws near, the tax deadline is quickly approaching. With over 70 million returns already filed and millions more still to go, now is the perfect time to check if you qualify for free filing.
Let’s dive into the different ways you can file your taxes at no cost.
The IRS has introduced Direct File, a web-based program that allows taxpayers to submit simple returns directly to the government.
This eliminates the need for third-party services and helps taxpayers save money.
Initially tested in 12 states, Direct File has now expanded to 25 states.
If you lived and worked exclusively in one of these states in 2024, you may be able to use this option for your federal tax return:
If your adjusted gross income (AGI) is $84,000 or less, you may qualify for IRS Free File.
This partnership between the IRS and private companies provides free tax software that helps taxpayers prepare and file their returns, even if their tax situation is more complex.
Beyond just filing, IRS Free File can assist with identifying valuable tax credits like:
This service is available nationwide and can be accessed via computer, tablet, or smartphone.
While most options are in English, at least one provider offers Spanish-language support.
Even if you don’t qualify for the software, IRS Free File also provides free forms that anyone, regardless of income, can use to prepare their own return.
For those who earn $67,000 or less, have disabilities, limited English proficiency, or are 60 and older, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs offer free, one-on-one tax preparation assistance.
These services, run by IRS-certified volunteers, are available nationwide to help taxpayers navigate their returns with confidence.
For active-duty service members, eligible veterans, and their families, the Department of Defense’s MilTax program offers free tax preparation and e-filing.
This service is designed for the unique tax challenges of military life, covering deployments, combat and training pay, housing, and filing in multiple states.
This resource provides tailored tax guidance, expert support, and the ability to file both federal and state returns at no cost.
Make the most of free tax filing options by following these simple steps:
Understanding your free tax filing options can help you keep more of your hard-earned money while reducing the stress of tax season.
Before turning to paid services, take a moment to see if you qualify for one of these programs—you might be surprised at how much easier and more affordable tax filing can be.
Have you ever used free tax filing services? Do you have tips for making tax season easier? Share your experience in the comments! Let’s help each other navigate tax time with less stress.
But what if you could file your taxes for free?
Many Americans qualify for free tax preparation services and don’t even realize it.
Before you spend money on filing fees, take a moment to explore these cost-free options—you might be surprised at how much you can save!
The IRS offers several programs designed to ease the financial burden of tax season, but millions of eligible taxpayers miss out simply because they don’t know these options exist.
As April 15 draws near, the tax deadline is quickly approaching. With over 70 million returns already filed and millions more still to go, now is the perfect time to check if you qualify for free filing.
Let’s dive into the different ways you can file your taxes at no cost.
Tax season is here—explore your free filing options and keep more of your hard-earned money. Image Source: YouTube / Washington Post.
Direct File: A Simple, No-Cost Way to File with the IRS
The IRS has introduced Direct File, a web-based program that allows taxpayers to submit simple returns directly to the government.
This eliminates the need for third-party services and helps taxpayers save money.
Initially tested in 12 states, Direct File has now expanded to 25 states.
If you lived and worked exclusively in one of these states in 2024, you may be able to use this option for your federal tax return:
- 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
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
IRS Free File: Guided Tax Software for Eligible Filers
If your adjusted gross income (AGI) is $84,000 or less, you may qualify for IRS Free File.
This partnership between the IRS and private companies provides free tax software that helps taxpayers prepare and file their returns, even if their tax situation is more complex.
Beyond just filing, IRS Free File can assist with identifying valuable tax credits like:
- Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
- Child Tax Credit
- Child and Dependent Care Credit
This service is available nationwide and can be accessed via computer, tablet, or smartphone.
While most options are in English, at least one provider offers Spanish-language support.
Even if you don’t qualify for the software, IRS Free File also provides free forms that anyone, regardless of income, can use to prepare their own return.
VITA and TCE: Personalized Assistance for Those Who Qualify
For those who earn $67,000 or less, have disabilities, limited English proficiency, or are 60 and older, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs offer free, one-on-one tax preparation assistance.
These services, run by IRS-certified volunteers, are available nationwide to help taxpayers navigate their returns with confidence.
MilTax: A Free Resource for Military Families
For active-duty service members, eligible veterans, and their families, the Department of Defense’s MilTax program offers free tax preparation and e-filing.
This service is designed for the unique tax challenges of military life, covering deployments, combat and training pay, housing, and filing in multiple states.
This resource provides tailored tax guidance, expert support, and the ability to file both federal and state returns at no cost.
Take Action Now
Make the most of free tax filing options by following these simple steps:
- Check your eligibility for these free filing options.
- Gather your tax documents and choose the best program for your needs.
- File with confidence, knowing you’re saving money and using all available resources.
Understanding your free tax filing options can help you keep more of your hard-earned money while reducing the stress of tax season.
Before turning to paid services, take a moment to see if you qualify for one of these programs—you might be surprised at how much easier and more affordable tax filing can be.
Have you ever used free tax filing services? Do you have tips for making tax season easier? Share your experience in the comments! Let’s help each other navigate tax time with less stress.
