If you’ve ever clicked on a “File Your Taxes for Free” banner only to be hit with a $40 charge because you dared to have a savings account or a freelance gig, you know the frustration.
The tax industry has spent years mastering the art of the phony free offer, luring you in with promises of zero-dollar tax-return prep before upselling you at the very last step.
But you don’t have to play that game. For the 2026 filing season, which officially opened on Jan. 26, there are multiple ways to file your 2025 federal and state returns without opening your wallet.
Here are the legitimate options available to you right now, categorized by how much help you need and how much money you make.
1. IRS Free File (guided software)
This is the best starting point for most Americans. The IRS partners with private tax software companies to provide their name-brand products for no cost. These aren’t stripped-down versions. They are the full, guided software that asks you questions and fills out the forms for you.
Who it’s for: Taxpayers with an adjusted gross income (AGI) of $89,000 or less in 2025.
The catch: You must access these offers through the IRS website. If you go directly to the company’s homepage, you’ll be routed to a paid product.
State taxes: Some providers in the program offer free state filing, while others charge a fee. You can use the “Browse All” tool on the IRS site to filter for providers that include free state returns.
You can find these offers at the IRS Free File newsroom page or the “File your taxes for free” page.
2. IRS Free File fillable forms
If you earn more than $89,000, you’re not out of luck. The IRS provides electronic versions of federal tax forms that anyone can use for no charge.
Who it’s for: Any income level.
The catch: This is the digital equivalent of paper forms. The system will do basic math for you, but it will not offer guidance, ask you questions or explain deductions. You need to know how to fill out a 1040 yourself. Also, it usually does not support state tax filing, so you’d need to find a separate way to file your state return.
3. VITA and TCE (in-person help)
If you’re not comfortable with computers or you have a complicated situation that requires human eyes, the IRS sponsors volunteer programs that offer free preparation.
VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance): Generally for people who make $69,000 or less, persons with disabilities, and limited English-speaking taxpayers.
TCE (Tax Counseling for the Elderly): Focuses on taxpayers aged 60 and older, specializing in questions about pensions and retirement.
These programs are staffed by IRS-certified volunteers. You can find a location near you using the locator tool on the IRS VITA/TCE page.
4. Truly free commercial alternatives
Outside of the government programs, a few private companies have disrupted the industry by offering genuinely free filing for complex returns that usually trigger upgrades with the tax-return giants.
Cash App Taxes
This service (formerly Credit Karma Tax) is one of the only commercial options that is 100% free for both federal and state returns, even if you have a complex tax situation like stock sales or freelance income.
Pros: It handles many forms that other “free” editions charge for.
Cons: It is mobile-first (though you can use a computer), and the interface is more streamlined than the heavy-duty guidance you might get elsewhere. You can learn more at Cash App Taxes.
FreeTaxUSA
While not 100% no-cost for everyone, this service is often the best middle ground between free and premium.
The deal: Federal filing is free for everyone, regardless of complexity. State filing is roughly $16.
Why use it: If you have a very complex return (like rental property or extensive investments) and don’t qualify for IRS Free File, paying $16 for a state return is often significantly cheaper than paying $100+ for a premier package from a competitor. You can check pricing at FreeTaxUSA.
5. Watch out for phony free editions
Major tax software brands often advertise a free edition, but these are strictly limited to simple returns. In the fine print, a simple return is usually defined as W-2 income and the standard deduction.
If you have a health savings account (HSA), student loan interest or unemployment income, these so-called free editions often force you to upgrade to a paid tier. Always check the forms included in a free edition before you spend any time typing in your data.
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