Free tax help in Washington
Washington does not tax wages; it taxes some long-term capital gains, only for people who owe it. Most people in Washington file only a federal return, and the free federal options below still apply.
Check if you qualify (5 questions)| State income tax | Limited (not on wages) |
|---|---|
| Tax year 2025 due date | April 15, 2026. Capital gains return usually due April 15. |
| Extension | If you have a federal extension, request a Washington capital gains extension in My DOR by April 15; the extension does not extend the payment due date. |
| State tax agency | Washington State Department of Revenue |
If you owe the Washington tax
Capital gains return usually due April 15. If you have a federal extension, request a Washington capital gains extension in My DOR by April 15; the extension does not extend the payment due date.
Free federal filing for Washington 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 Washington 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
Do I need to file a state income tax return in Washington?
Washington does not tax wages; it taxes some long-term capital gains, only for people who owe it. Most people there file only a federal return. Free federal options still apply.
When is the Washington tax deadline?
For tax year 2025, the Washington return was due April 15, 2026. Capital gains return usually due April 15. If you have a federal extension, request a Washington capital gains extension in My DOR by April 15; the extension does not extend the payment due date.
Where can I get free tax help in person in Washington?
Search your Washington ZIP code in the IRS VITA/TCE locator or the AARP Tax-Aide locator. Sites are mostly open from late January to mid-April, so book well before the Washington due date (April 15, 2026 for tax year 2025). With no broad state income tax, most visits cover only the federal return. Other Washington state tax questions go to Washington State Department of Revenue.
Free tax help in nearby states
Moved, work across the line, or file in more than one state? See the free options and deadlines next door.
- Free tax help in Idaho
- Free tax help in Oregon
- Free tax help in Alaska (no broad state income tax)
Need paid help in Washington?
If you don't qualify for free help, have past-due returns, or got a notice from the IRS, our partner Pack Tax works with Washington 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
- WA DOR capital gains tax
- IRS: Free tax return preparation for qualifying taxpayers
- IRS Free File: do your taxes for free
Washington facts checked on October 8, 2026. Rules and dates change every year; confirm with Washington State Department of Revenue before you file.