Free tax help in North Carolina
How to file your North Carolina and federal returns for free if you qualify, the North Carolina 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 | Six-month extension; an automatic federal extension also extends North Carolina; an extension to file is not an extension to pay. |
| State tax agency | North Carolina Department of Revenue |
Free North Carolina state filing
NC Free File
Free File partner companies listed by the state offer free federal and state e-filing for tax year 2025; each company sets its own rules, and the highest AGI limit is $89,000 (some offers have lower limits or age rules).
Income limit: AGI $89,000 (tax year 2025; partners may set lower limits)
See North Carolina Free File optionsFree if you qualify. Rules are for tax year 2025 (filed in 2026) unless noted; North Carolina may update them in January.
Free federal filing for North Carolina 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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina state return for free?
Often, yes, if you qualify. North Carolina options include NC Free File. VITA and TCE volunteers usually prepare the state return too, and MyFreeTaxes covers state returns for income under $89,000.
When is the North Carolina tax deadline?
For tax year 2025, the North Carolina return was due April 15, 2026. Usually April 15 (same as federal). Six-month extension; an automatic federal extension also extends North Carolina; an extension to file is not an extension to pay.
Where can I get free tax help in person in North Carolina?
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 North Carolina?
If you don't qualify for free help, have past-due returns, or got a notice from the IRS or North Carolina Department of Revenue, our partner Pack Tax works with North Carolina 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 helpPack Tax is our paid partner; we may receive a fee for referrals. How this works
Sources
- NCDOR NC Free File
- NCDOR file and pay for individuals
- NCDOR extensions
- IRS: Free tax return preparation for qualifying taxpayers
- IRS Free File: do your taxes for free
North Carolina facts checked on October 8, 2026. Rules and dates change every year; confirm with North Carolina Department of Revenue before you file.