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Money

Filing your taxes for free

Many people can file a federal return for free. IRS Free File's guided software is free if your adjusted gross income is $89,000 or less, and Free File Fillable Forms is free at any income. Free in-person help is available at VITA sites.

Moderate1 to 2 hours to doFree, if you qualify

You'll need

  • Your W-2s and any 1099s
  • Your Social Security number
  • Last year's return, if you have it
  • Bank account and routing numbers for a direct-deposit refund

Do it like this

  1. Start at IRS Free File. Guided tax software is free for an adjusted gross income (AGI) of $89,000 or less, and each partner sets its own rules, so read who qualifies (IRS).
  2. If your income is over the limit, Free File Fillable Forms is free at any income level (IRS). It's best if you're comfortable filling in the form yourself.
  3. Want help in person? The IRS's VITA program offers free basic tax preparation by IRS-certified volunteers.
  4. Gather every form before you start. File by the deadline, or file for an extension.
  5. Watch for the IRS email confirming your return was accepted.
Watch out. Start from IRS.gov. Ads for "free" filing sometimes charge for state returns or extra forms.

See it done

Here's How to File for Free Using IRS Free FileInternal Revenue Service · Length 1:04 · 2024

Video blocked on this network? You don't need it. The written steps above are the whole lesson, and the video is extra. Watch it on YouTube later.

If it doesn't work

  • If your return is rejected, in most cases you can fix the error and resubmit it electronically before the deadline (IRS).
  • If you can't find a W-2, ask your employer for a copy first.
  • If you owe and can't pay, file on time anyway and look at IRS payment options at IRS.gov/payments.

Good to know

Who VITA helps

The IRS says VITA helps people who generally make about $70,244 or less, people with disabilities, and taxpayers who speak limited English (IRS).

Volunteers are trained

VITA volunteers who prepare returns must pass tax law training that meets or exceeds IRS standards (IRS).

Watch for scams

Tax season brings fake IRS calls and texts. See Spotting IRS scams.

Sources

  1. Internal Revenue Service IRS Free File: Do your federal taxes for free
  2. Internal Revenue Service Free tax return preparation for qualifying taxpayers
  3. Internal Revenue Service Tax Withholding Estimator

Lesson M6.4 · Last checked October 2, 2026 against the sources listed. See a mistake?