As tax season kicks off, financial obligations can weigh heavily, especially with a looming April 15 deadline. Fortunately, a greater number of taxpayers may qualify to file their taxes without incurring costs this year, thanks to the IRS’s expanded Direct File initiative and its established Free File partnerships, which often have income limitations.

This article outlines various methods to file taxes at no charge in 2025.

IRS Free File

The IRS Free File program presents multiple avenues for no-cost filing. This option allows you to prepare your tax return using user-friendly software available through partnered websites, which subsequently e-file your returns to the IRS. Most commonly submitted federal tax forms and schedules can be accessed via Free File. Eligibility requires that your adjusted gross income be $84,000 or below for the year 2024.

To determine eligibility for Free File, visit the IRS site, where you can find a list of reliable third-party tax preparers along with their respective eligibility requirements, or use the guided tool to identify the most suitable option for your needs. Some IRS partners may also offer state return filing free of charge, while others may impose an additional fee.

IRS Direct File

A new initiative launched by the IRS last year has expanded to offer Direct File, a complimentary tax filing option for the 2024 tax returns. This Direct File tool is facilitated by the IRS itself, eliminating the need for third-party assistance and, notably, it imposes no income limits.

However, eligibility for Direct File requires that taxpayers reside and work in one of the following 25 states throughout 2024:

• Alaska
• Arizona
• California
• Connecticut
• Florida
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Kansas
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Carolina
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Washington
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

If residing in one of these states, make sure to verify the specific residency and filing criteria.

There are a few limitations to Direct File: it currently accommodates only a limited selection of income, credit, and deduction types. Individuals who need to report business or rental income, itemize deductions, or have multifaceted tax situations may find this option unsuitable. Additionally, Direct File does not handle state tax obligations, directing you instead to a different tax preparation tool upon completion of the federal return.

To initiate the Direct File process, visit the IRS website and log in using your ID.me account, or create a new one if necessary. This year, the IRS will also automatically import W-2 and other relevant tax information for a smoother filing experience.

Additional Free Tax Filing Options

If your income exceeds the threshold for IRS Free File and you reside in a state excluded from Direct File, alternatives still exist for filing taxes without payment.

• Free Fillable Forms: This option provides a straightforward experience where users fill out IRS forms manually, adhering to the accompanying instructions. There are no income restrictions for this method, yet it offers limited guidance, and does not include state returns. Creating a Free File account is still necessary. Register here.
• Commercial Tax Software: For simpler tax situations, services like TurboTax and H&R Block provide free preparation options. Cash App Taxes is another viable free choice. It’s essential to be aware that these companies offer paid services alongside their free options, so understanding the terms is crucial.
• Volunteer Tax Preparation Assistance: The IRS facilitates free tax preparation assistance for qualifying individuals through its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs. VITA assists taxpayers with annual earnings below $67,000, those with disabilities, or individuals with limited English proficiency, while TCE caters to those aged 60 and over. Utilize the locator tool by entering your zip code to find volunteer support in your vicinity.
• MilTax: This service offers eligible military personnel free tax preparation and filing, extending to up to three state returns.