Tax season can be stressful, but filing your taxes doesn’t have to cost you money.

With various free tax filing options available, you can submit your return quickly and accurately without paying a fee. Whether you qualify for IRS Free File or prefer free online tax software, there are plenty of ways to file your taxes for free.

1. IRS Free File Program

The IRS Free File program provides free tax preparation software for eligible taxpayers. If your income is below a certain threshold (usually around $73,000), you can use IRS-partnered software to file federal and, in some cases, state taxes for free. Higher-income earners can use Free File Fillable Forms, but these require more manual input.

How to Access:

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  Visit the IRS Free File website

  
  


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  Choose from the list of available tax software providers

  
  


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  Follow the instructions to file your taxes online

  
  

2. Free Tax Filing Software Options

Several tax preparation companies offer free tax filing for simple returns. Here are some of the best free tax software options:

a) TurboTax Free Edition

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  Best for simple tax returns (W-2 income, standard deduction, limited credits)

  
  


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  Free federal and state filing

  
  


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  Step-by-step guidance with a user-friendly interface

  
  

b) H&R Block Free Online

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  Covers W-2 income, unemployment, and basic deductions

  
  


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  Free federal and state filing

  
  


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  Includes a simple import feature for previous tax returns

  
  

c) Cash App Taxes (Formerly CreditKarma Tax)

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  Completely free for both federal and state returns

  
  


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  No income restrictions

  
  


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  Covers most tax situations, including self-employment income

  
  

d) TaxAct Free Edition

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  Ideal for simple tax returns

  
  


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  Includes free state filing

  
  


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  Allows you to import prior returns from competitors

  
  

3. Free Tax Assistance Programs

If you need help filing your taxes but don’t want to pay a tax preparer, these government-backed programs offer free assistance:

a) Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)

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  Available to low-income individuals (generally under $60,000), disabled taxpayers, and non-English speakers

  
  


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  IRS-certified volunteers assist with tax preparation

  
  


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  In-person and virtual assistance options available

  
  

b) Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE)

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  Designed for seniors (age 60+)

  
  


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  Focuses on retirement-related tax issues

  
  


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  IRS-trained volunteers provide free tax help

  
  

4. State-Sponsored Free Tax Filing

Some states offer free tax filing options for residents, either through their own online portals or partnerships with tax software providers. Check your state’s Department of Revenue website to see if you qualify for state-sponsored free filing services.

5. Free Filing for Students & Military Personnel

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  Students: Many universities offer free tax filing assistance for students with part-time jobs or scholarships. Check your school’s financial aid office.

  
  


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  Military Members: The MilTax program (provided by the Department of Defense) offers free e-filing for active-duty service members and their families.