The IRS shut down its direct filing program for 2026, but Free File, Fillable Forms, MilTax, and some private tools remain—if you know where to look. Here’s how to navigate the free options still ...
The federal government tested a free, direct online tax-filing program for two years but with the change in administrations shut it down. There are still ways, though, to file your return at no charge ...
TurboTax is just one of the many commercial tax-prep companies with a free tier. H&R Block is one of the most popular, thanks to its easy-to-navigate interface. FreeTaxUSA supports more schedules, ...
WASHINGTON, Jan. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Taxpayers can get a head start on preparing their 2025 federal tax returns as the IRS Free File program is now available ahead of the official start of the tax ...
The IRS Direct File program is no longer available. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images for Economic Security Project) We knew that it was coming, but now we know for sure: Direct File, the free ...
Rumors of the demise of the free IRS tax filing software Direct File have been circulating since Tax Day 2025. On Monday, the IRS officially ended the program, at least for 2026. In a letter to 25 ...
Only 2% of federal income tax returns were filed through Free File, despite 70% of filers qualifying. Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are from our advertising partners who ...
The IRS Direct File program was eliminated for the 2026 tax filing season. However, several free tax preparation software options are available for those with 2025 income of $89,000 or less and for ...
The agency still offers a Free File program that works with commercial tax software firms. Some companies also offer free tools for certain filers. By Ann Carrns The federal government tested a free, ...