1. IRS Free File guided software
Best for: people with AGI at or under the IRS limit ($89,000 for 2025 returns). Catch: each partner has extra rules and the state return may cost money. Start at IRS.gov. Eligibility details.
2. Free File Fillable Forms
Best for: confident filers of any income. Catch: no guidance and no state return. How it works.
3. VITA sites
Best for: people with moderate income, disabilities, or limited English. Catch: appointments and scope limits. About VITA.
4. Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE)
Best for: seniors, especially with pension and retirement questions. Catch: seasonal and local.
5. MilTax
Best for: military members and some veterans. Catch: eligibility rules apply; check Military OneSource.
6. Your state’s free filing portal
Best for: the state return in states with their own tools. Catch: varies widely. See our state guides.
7. Commercial “free edition” for simple returns
Best for: W-2-only returns with the standard deduction. Catch: upgrades required for investments, self-employment or itemizing — check the list of covered forms before starting.
8. Free File partner’s extension tool
Best for: getting more time at no cost. Catch: extension is not extra time to pay. See how it works.
9. Paper filing
Best for: people without internet access or who prefer paper. Catch: slower refunds and more errors. Costs only postage.
10. Employer or credit-union programs
Best for: employees whose employer or financial institution offers a discount code or free filing as a benefit. Catch: check what’s included and the terms.
How to choose in 30 seconds
- AGI under the limit → Free File guided software.
- Want a person → VITA/TCE.
- Above the limit but comfortable with forms → Fillable Forms.
- Military → MilTax.
What to avoid
- Starting at a company site instead of IRS.gov for Free File.
- Paying for refund advance products you didn’t intend to buy.
- Giving personal information to anyone who contacted you unprompted.
For more depth, read the complete free filing guide or visit our free filing hub.
Official sources
- IRS Free File: guided software and Fillable Forms
- IRS Free File Fillable Forms
- IRS: Free tax return preparation (VITA/TCE)
- IRS: Find a free tax prep site (VITA/TCE locator)
General information only — not tax, legal or financial advice. Tax figures change every year; verify the current numbers at IRS.gov or with a qualified professional. Read the full disclaimer.