Find the free tax help you actually qualify for
Volunteer tax prep, free filing software and state options are still here, even with IRS Direct File gone. Answer 5 questions and see which free programs fit you, with links to book or start.
Start the 5-question check- Free volunteer prep if you make about $70,244 or less (VITA)
- Free software if your AGI is $89,000 or less (IRS Free File, tax year 2025)
- Help for seniors, military families and every state
Free if you qualify. Each program sets its own rules. We are a private site, not the IRS.
Check what free tax help fits you
5 quick questions. No name or email needed to see your free options.
Step 1 of 3
Pack Tax is our paid partner; we may receive a fee for referrals. How this works
This is a rough guide, not tax advice. Each program makes the final call.
The free tax programs, side by side
Every program below is free for the people it serves. Tap one to see exactly who qualifies, what it will not do, and how to start.
VITA
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Income about $70,244 or less Free if you qualifyTCE
Tax Counseling for the Elderly Age 60 or older Free if you qualifyAARP Foundation Tax-Aide
Free volunteer tax help from AARP Foundation Over 50, low to moderate income Free if you qualifyIRS Free File
Free guided tax software from IRS partner companies AGI $89,000 or less (tax year 2025) Free federal return if you qualify; state may cost extraFree File Fillable Forms
Free IRS forms you fill in online, any income Any income, confident with forms Free (federal only)MilTax
Free tax software and help for the military community Service members, families, recent veterans Free if you qualifyMyFreeTaxes
United Way's free tax software and VITA help Income under $89,000 Free if you qualify, federal and stateDirect File is gone. Now what?
IRS Direct File was not offered in filing season 2026, and the IRS has not set a date to bring it back. If you used it before, IRS Free File, MyFreeTaxes or a VITA site are the closest free swaps.
What to use insteadOwe the IRS or got a letter?
You can often set up a payment plan yourself. Online long-term plans are open if you owe $50,000 or less. Read the plain facts before you call anyone.
IRS debt help, explainedFree filing help by state
Your state return can be free too. Each state page lists free state filing, the state deadline, and where to find a volunteer site.
- Alabama AL
- Alaska AK
- Arizona AZ
- Arkansas AR
- California CA
- Colorado CO
- Connecticut CT
- Delaware DE
- District of Columbia DC
- Florida FL
- Georgia GA
- Hawaii HI
- Idaho ID
- Illinois IL
- Indiana IN
- Iowa IA
- Kansas KS
- Kentucky KY
- Louisiana LA
- Maine ME
- Maryland MD
- Massachusetts MA
- Michigan MI
- Minnesota MN
- Mississippi MS
- Missouri MO
- Montana MT
- Nebraska NE
- Nevada NV
- New Hampshire NH
- New Jersey NJ
- New Mexico NM
- New York NY
- North Carolina NC
- North Dakota ND
- Ohio OH
- Oklahoma OK
- Oregon OR
- Pennsylvania PA
- Rhode Island RI
- South Carolina SC
- South Dakota SD
- Tennessee TN
- Texas TX
- Utah UT
- Vermont VT
- Virginia VA
- Washington WA
- West Virginia WV
- Wisconsin WI
- Wyoming WY
Common questions
Can I file my taxes for free?
Many people can, if they qualify. IRS Free File guided software is free for an adjusted gross income of $89,000 or less (tax year 2025). VITA volunteers prepare returns for free for people who generally make about $70,244 or less. Free File Fillable Forms is free at any income if you can fill in the forms yourself.
What happened to IRS Direct File?
IRS Direct File was not offered in filing season 2026, and the IRS has not set a date to bring it back. The other free options are still here. See what to use instead.
Is there free tax help for seniors?
Yes. Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) focuses on people 60 and older, and AARP Foundation Tax-Aide focuses on people over 50 with low to moderate income. No AARP membership is needed.
Is freetaxhelp.com the IRS?
No. We are a private site run by WellTracked LLC. We explain the official programs and link to them. We are not the IRS or any government agency.
What if I do not qualify for free help?
You can still use Free File Fillable Forms at any income, or pay for software or a tax professional. Our partner Pack Tax works with people in every state. See paid options.
Don't qualify for free help?
If your income is over $89,000, your return is complex, or you have an IRS problem, our partner Pack Tax can prepare your return or help with the IRS. They work with clients in every state by phone and video.
This is paid help, not a free program. You can ask questions before you agree to anything.
Ask Pack Tax for helpPack Tax is our paid partner; we may receive a fee for referrals. How this works
Sources
- IRS: Free tax return preparation for qualifying taxpayers
- IRS Free File: do your taxes for free
- Route Fifty: Direct File won't happen in 2026, IRS tells states
- IRS: Payment plans; installment agreements
- AARP Foundation Tax-Aide
Facts on this page were checked against these sources on October 8, 2026. Rules change each year; confirm with the official source before you file.