IRS Free File — File Your Federal Taxes for Free
What Is It?
The IRS Free File program lets taxpayers with adjusted gross income (AGI) of $84,000 or less file their federal tax return completely free through one of several IRS-partnered software providers. This is the same software TurboTax, H&R Block, and others charge $50–$150+ for — available at no cost through a program that has existed since 2003. Approximately 70% of all American taxpayers qualify, yet the vast majority pay to file every year.
Do I Qualify?
- Your AGI is within the current IRS Free File limit for the year you are filing
- At least one participating provider’s extra rules fit your age, state, or tax situation
- You are willing to start from the IRS Free File portal instead of going directly to a software company’s site
- You only need the provider’s supported federal and, if relevant, state filing features
How It Works
Step 1 — Access Free File through IRS.gov only
Go directly to irs.gov/freefile and click “Use Free File Software.”
Critical: Do not go directly to TurboTax, H&R Block, or any software company’s own website — they hide or remove the free option when you access them directly. You must enter through the IRS portal to get the free version.
Step 2 — Browse and select a partner
The IRS Free File page shows all participating providers with their eligibility criteria. Each provider sets additional requirements within the $84,000 ceiling (age, state, military status, etc.). Use the IRS lookup tool to find which providers you qualify for — if you qualify for multiple, compare their state filing options.
Step 3 — Complete and file
The software guides you through your return exactly like paid software. Federal filing is $0. State filing varies — some partners include free state filing, others charge a separate fee (typically $14–$40).
What Most People Don’t Know
- Tax software companies have actively buried this. The FTC sued Intuit (TurboTax) in 2022 for deceptive advertising of “free” filing — TurboTax paid $141 million in restitution to customers who were tricked into paying when they qualified for free filing. ProPublica’s multi-year investigation documented how companies spent millions lobbying to keep Free File obscure.
- IRS Direct File is also free (select states). The IRS launched its own direct filing tool in 2024, available in an expanding list of states. Unlike Free File (which uses private software), Direct File is built and run by the IRS itself. Check directfile.irs.gov to see if your state participates.
- Free File Fillable Forms exist for higher incomes. If your income exceeds $84,000, the IRS offers Free File Fillable Forms — electronic versions of paper forms with basic math. No income limit, but no guided interview — you need to know what you’re doing.
Who Benefits Most?
Any taxpayer with AGI of $84,000 or less who currently pays for tax software or a tax preparer for a straightforward return (W-2 income, standard deduction, basic credits).
Legal Basis
- IRS Free File Alliance Agreement — A partnership between the IRS and private tax software companies, operating under a Memorandum of Understanding renewed periodically since 2002.
- IRS Direct File — Built under IRS authority to provide free taxpayer services (IRC § 7803).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income limit for IRS Free File in 2026?
For tax year 2025 returns filed in 2026, the AGI limit is $89,000. If your adjusted gross income was $89,000 or less, you qualify for at least one Free File partner. Each partner may set additional requirements within that ceiling (age, state, military status), so use the IRS lookup tool at irs.gov/freefile to see which ones you qualify for.
Why can’t I find the free version when I go to TurboTax or H&R Block’s website directly?
Tax software companies have actively buried the IRS Free File option on their own websites — TurboTax paid $141 million in FTC settlements for steering eligible users toward paid products. You must access Free File exclusively through the IRS portal at irs.gov/freefile. Clicking “Start Free File” from that page takes you to the partner’s Free File version; going directly to the company’s website almost always routes you to a paid product.
Does IRS Free File include state tax filing, or just federal?
Federal filing is always free. State filing depends on the partner you choose — some include free state filing, others charge a separate fee (typically $14–$40). Check each partner’s terms on the IRS Free File page before selecting one if free state filing matters to you.
What is IRS Direct File and how is it different from Free File?
IRS Direct File is a separate tool built and run by the IRS itself (not a private company), available in an expanding list of states. It’s free with no income cap for supported tax situations, but handles a more limited range of tax scenarios than the software-guided Free File partners. Check directfile.irs.gov to see if your state participates and whether your tax situation is supported.
What if my income is above $89,000 — is there still a free option?
Yes. The IRS offers Free File Fillable Forms for any income level — these are electronic versions of standard IRS paper forms with basic math built in. There is no guided interview, so you need to know what forms you need and how to complete them. It is free but requires more tax knowledge than the guided software options.