Paying to file your taxes feels like a kick in the teeth when you’re already paying Uncle Sam more than he deserves. Add in the fact that the Trump administration pulled the plug on the free IRS Direct File program, and it almost seems like tax software companies and the government are in cahoots.
Thankfully, there are still some ways to file your federal taxes for free in 2026, but many have caveats. Here’s how to avoid ponying up more money just for the privilege of paying the government.
IRS Free File
Unlike IRS Direct File, which took the middleman out of the tax filing process completely, IRS Free File is a partnership between the government and tax prep software companies that allows some people to access tax filing software for free. To qualify, your 2025 adjusted gross income needs to be $89,000 or less. You can choose which tax filing software “trusted partner” to use, but they all have different requirements in order to use their software for free.
Free Fillable Forms
If you’re confident enough to prepare your taxes without software to guide you — or you can do it with the line-by-line instructions provided by the IRS — then the IRS offers Free Fillable Forms. You fill them out in your browser, and they do offer some automatic calculations, which is very helpful. You can e-file them when you’re done, and then print them for your records.
Of course, if you’re really old school, you can also do your taxes on paper by hand and mail them to the IRS for the cost of a stamp.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance is a grant program that provides free in-person tax preparation services to people that need assistance. Generally, the people that are eligible for this service have income less than $69,000, have disabilities, or have limited English speaking skills. VITA sites are usually in places like schools, libraries, and shopping centers. To find a location near you, use the IRS VITA locator tool.
Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE)
Similar to VITA, Tax Counseling for the Elderly is a program that provides free tax services to people 60 years and older. The federal government provides grant money to nonprofits and community organizations that provide tax prep services focusing on pension and retirement related issues. Like VITA, the services are provided in person within your community.
MilTax
Sponsored by the Department of Defense, MilTax is a free way for active-duty service members, eligible family members, survivors, and recent veterans up to 365 days from their separation or retirement date to file their taxes. It provides online free filing for both federal and numerous state returns, something that most of these free options don’t cover.
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AARP Foundation Tax-Aide
AARP Tax-Aide provides free tax prep and filing services for those who qualify, with a special focus on tax payers over 50. Volunteers nationwide help people file most types of tax returns and help them understand changes like the new enhanced senior deduction. They offer in-person service, drop off service, free online software for self-preparation, and online coaching with a volunteer.
Software Programs and Apps
While most tax prep companies don’t have many free options anymore (they’ll often require that you “upgrade” to a paid version if you need to file anything more complicated than simple 1040EZ), there still are some apps and software that do. Here are a few of the better ones.
- Cash App Taxes: We’ve been using this app and website for our taxes for years, and they’ve always been free. Just be prepared to ignore any credit card offers or other “perks” they advertise.
- FreeTax USA: Offers free federal tax filing for even self-employed individuals, and is recommended regularly on social media sites like Reddit.
- H&R Block: Approximately 52% of filers qualify for the Online Free Edition, according to the company, but check the limitations before you start inputting your information.
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- Income Taxes Are Dropping in 9 States in 2026 — Here’s What That Means for Your Wallet — These changes are part of a wave of state-level tax cuts that started during the pandemic, when federal aid left many state budgets flush with cash.
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