Free tax help in California

How to file your California and federal returns for free if you qualify, the California deadline, and where to find free volunteer help.

Check if you qualify (5 questions)

State income tax	Yes
Tax year 2025 due date	April 15, 2026. Usually April 15 (same as federal).
Extension	Automatic six-month extension to October 15, 2026 with no application; payment is still due April 15, 2026.
State tax agency	California Franchise Tax Board

Free California state filing

California free e-file options

California's online filing page lists free options for tax year 2025: CalFile, Cash App Taxes, FreeTaxUSA Free File, OLT.com and IRS Free File; each company sets its own eligibility.

See California Free File options

CalFile

Free state e-filing directly with the Franchise Tax Board; you must have filed a California return in one of the last 5 years to register.

Go to CalFile

Free if you qualify. Rules are for tax year 2025 (filed in 2026) unless noted; California may update them in January.

Free federal filing for California residents

VITA: free preparation if you make about $70,244 or less; most sites also do the state return. Find a site.
TCE and AARP Tax-Aide: free help focused on older taxpayers. Find a Tax-Aide site.
IRS Free File: AGI $89,000 or less (tax year 2025). Some partners include a free California return.
MyFreeTaxes: federal and state, income under $89,000.
MilTax: for the military community, federal plus up to three state returns.
Fillable Forms: any income, federal only.

Common questions

Can I file my California state return for free?

Often, yes, if you qualify. California options include California free e-file options and CalFile. VITA and TCE volunteers usually prepare the state return too, and MyFreeTaxes covers state returns for income under $89,000.

When is the California tax deadline?

For tax year 2025, the California return was due April 15, 2026. Usually April 15 (same as federal). Automatic six-month extension to October 15, 2026 with no application; payment is still due April 15, 2026.

Where can I get free tax help in person in California?

Use the IRS VITA/TCE locator or the AARP Tax-Aide locator and search your ZIP code. Sites are mostly open from late January to mid-April.

Need paid help in California?

If you don't qualify for free help, have past-due returns, or got a notice from the IRS or California Franchise Tax Board, our partner Pack Tax works with California residents 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 help

Pack Tax is our paid partner; we may receive a fee for referrals. How this works

Sources

California facts checked on October 8, 2026. Rules and dates change every year; confirm with California Franchise Tax Board before you file.