Can you still file your taxes for free in 2026? Yes, but your options have changed. The IRS Direct File program that launched in 2024 was discontinued by the Trump administration, leaving you with four remaining free filing options instead of five. The good news: if your adjusted gross income is $89,000 or less, you can still file completely free through IRS Free File partners. If you’re comfortable preparing your own return, IRS Free File Fillable Forms works regardless of income.
Tax season officially opened January 26, 2026, and you have until April 15, 2026, to file your 2025 return. With several new deductions available this year, including no tax on tips and no tax on overtime, getting your filing right matters more than ever. Here’s how to access each free option and which one makes sense for your situation.
Your Four Free Filing Options
IRS Free File remains the primary free option for most taxpayers. If your AGI was $89,000 or less in 2025, you qualify to use guided tax preparation software from participating companies at no cost. These are the same products companies sell commercially, just offered free through the IRS partnership.
To access IRS Free File, go directly to IRS.gov/freefile. Don’t search for “free tax filing” and click on commercial sites, as they’ll often try to upsell you to paid versions. Starting from the IRS website ensures you get the genuinely free version.
IRS Free File Fillable Forms offers a different approach. This option provides electronic versions of paper tax forms that you fill out yourself. There’s no guided interview process or hand-holding. You need to know which forms you need and how to complete them. The advantage: no income limit. Anyone can use it regardless of how much they earned.
Free File Fillable Forms opened January 26 and runs through October 15, 2026. It’s best suited for people with straightforward tax situations who are comfortable reading IRS instructions. If you’ve filed paper returns before and just want an electronic equivalent, this works well.
MilTax serves military members, veterans, and their families. The Department of Defense provides this free return preparation and e-filing software regardless of income. If you qualify, MilTax handles military-specific tax situations like combat pay, moving expenses, and multiple state filings that commercial software often charges extra for.
VITA and TCE are the final free options. Volunteer Income Tax Assistance serves people with lower incomes, disabilities, or limited English proficiency. Tax Counseling for the Elderly focuses on taxpayers 60 and older. Both programs offer in-person help from trained volunteers who prepare and file your return at no cost.
What Changed This Year
The biggest change is IRS Direct File’s absence. This pilot program let taxpayers in participating states file simple returns directly with the IRS, no third-party software needed. The Trump administration ended the program, citing costs and overlap with existing options. If you used Direct File last year, you’ll need to choose a different method this time.
Several new deductions require attention. The “One, Big, Beautiful Bill” enacted new tax breaks you’ll claim on Schedule 1-A, a new form this year. The no tax on tips deduction exempts tip income from federal taxation. No tax on overtime does the same for overtime pay. No tax on car loan interest adds yet another deduction. Seniors also get an enhanced deduction.
These new deductions mean more complexity in an otherwise simple return. If you earned tips, overtime, or paid car loan interest, make sure your chosen free filing software supports Schedule 1-A. The IRS Free File partners have been updated to handle these new provisions, but verify before you start.
Another change: the IRS is phasing out paper refund checks. An executive order on modernizing payments means direct deposit is now strongly encouraged. If you don’t have a bank account, the IRS recommends opening one specifically to receive your refund. Second-best options include prepaid debit cards that accept direct deposits.
How to Choose the Right Option
Choose IRS Free File if: Your income is $89,000 or less and you want guided software that walks you through the process. This is the best option for most people. The software asks questions and fills in forms based on your answers, similar to TurboTax or H&R Block.
Choose Free File Fillable Forms if: You’re comfortable with tax forms and want to fill them out yourself, or your income exceeds $89,000. This requires more tax knowledge but works for anyone.
Choose MilTax if: You’re active-duty military, a veteran, or a military family member. The military-specific expertise makes it worth using even if you’d otherwise qualify for IRS Free File.
Choose VITA/TCE if: You want in-person help from a real human. These programs are especially valuable if you have questions, need assistance with documentation, or prefer face-to-face interaction over software.
Common Free Filing Mistakes to Avoid
Going directly to commercial sites instead of starting at IRS.gov. Companies like TurboTax and H&R Block offer free versions through IRS Free File, but their commercial websites often steer you toward paid products. Always start at the IRS website.
Missing the income threshold. The $89,000 AGI limit applies to the tax year you’re filing for (2025), not your current income. Check your 2025 income before assuming you qualify.
Ignoring state taxes. Federal filing is free, but some states charge for returns even through Free File partners. Check whether your state return is included or costs extra.
Starting over unnecessarily. If you begin a return with one Free File partner and it’s not working for you, some allow you to switch to a different partner. You don’t always have to start completely fresh.
Key Dates to Remember
January 26, 2026: IRS begins accepting 2025 tax returns. Free File Fillable Forms available.
April 15, 2026: Deadline to file your return and pay any tax owed. Missing this deadline triggers penalties and interest on unpaid amounts.
October 15, 2026: Extended deadline if you filed for an extension. Free File Fillable Forms available until this date.
Summary
Filing your taxes for free in 2026 requires going through IRS.gov rather than commercial tax software websites. IRS Free File works for anyone earning $89,000 or less. Free File Fillable Forms works for anyone willing to fill out forms themselves. MilTax serves military members and families. VITA and TCE provide free in-person help.
The loss of IRS Direct File reduces your options but doesn’t eliminate free filing. The new deductions for tips, overtime, and car loan interest make this year more complex, but the free software has been updated to handle these changes. Start at IRS.gov/freefile, verify you’re getting the genuinely free version, and file by April 15 to avoid penalties.
