IRS Free File: free guided software if you qualify
IRS Free File is a partnership between the IRS and private tax software companies. If your adjusted gross income (AGI) is $89,000 or less for tax year 2025, you can use a partner's guided software to file your federal return for free. Each company sets its own extra rules, and some charge for state returns.
Check if you qualify (5 questions)Free federal return if you qualify; state may cost extra. AGI limit for tax year 2025 (filing season 2026). The tax year 2026 limit is usually announced in January.
Who qualifies
- Your adjusted gross income for tax year 2025 is $89,000 or less.
- You also meet the rules of the partner you pick. Partners can limit by age, state of residence or military status.
- For filing season 2026 there were eight partner companies. Some include a free state return.
Who it is not for
- AGI over $89,000. Use Free File Fillable Forms instead if you can do the forms yourself.
- Anyone who wants a person to prepare the return. This is software you use yourself.
- Going straight to a company website. You must start from the IRS Free File page to get the free offer.
How to get started
- Start at the IRS Free File page, not a company website.
- Use the "Find your trusted partner" tool to see which companies you qualify for, and whether the state return is free.
- Create an account with the partner through the IRS link and file.
- Watch for an email confirming the IRS accepted your return.
Over the limit? Fillable Forms has no income limit
Common questions
What is the IRS Free File income limit?
For tax year 2025 (filed in 2026) the guided software option is for an AGI of $89,000 or less. The limit is updated each year when Free File opens in January.
Is my state return free too?
Sometimes. Some Free File partners include a free state return and some charge for it. The IRS partner tool shows which is which before you sign up.
Why did I get charged?
Partners can charge for a state return, or if you do not meet their rules or the AGI limit. Starting from a company website instead of the IRS Free File page can also land you in a paid product.
When does Free File open?
For the 2026 season the IRS opened filing on January 26, 2026. The 2027 date is not announced yet (the IRS usually opens filing in late January).
If this program does not fit
Other free programs may still work for you:
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 qualifyFree 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 statePrefer a paid pro?
If no free program fits, or you have an IRS notice or tax debt, our partner Pack Tax prepares returns and handles IRS problems for 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 File: do your taxes for free
- IRS Tax Tip 2026-08
- IRS: IRS opens 2026 filing season
- IRS newsroom
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.