IRS Free File guided software
Eight private-sector partners participate for the 2026 filing season. Each offer has its own eligibility rules; many include a free state return, but not all.
$89,0002025 AGI limit
Verified October 7, 2026
File with confidence, not surprise.
A plain-English map of free federal filing, trusted in-person help, state resources, and clearly labeled low-cost options.
Open
IRS Free File
Guided software for 2025 AGI of $89,000 or less, open through Oct. 15, 2026.
Ended
IRS Direct File
Not available for the 2026 filing season. Some states still offer their own direct-file tools.
Any income
Fillable Forms
Free federal forms with no income cap; state filing is not included.
Which route fits?
Start with the shape of your return—not a software brand. Then confirm that the option supports every form you need before entering your tax information.
1
Simple W-2 return
Start with IRS Free File if your 2025 AGI is $89,000 or less. Above that, Fillable Forms handles federal filing at any income, but it is more hands-on and does not include a state return.
Open IRS Free File ↗2
Self-employed or 1099
Look for Schedule C and your specific expense forms in the supported-forms list. VITA can handle some basic self-employment returns, but not every business situation.
Compare a low-cost option ↓3
Investor or capital gains
Confirm support for Form 8949, Schedule D, and any state-specific investment forms. “Free” does not automatically mean every investment form is included.
Check your state ↓4
Need a person—or IRS problem help
Use VITA/TCE or AARP Tax-Aide for preparation help. For hardship, delays, or a problem normal IRS channels have not fixed, contact the Taxpayer Advocate Service.
See help options ↓Free federal options
These are the official starting points. Enter IRS Free File through the IRS page so you can see each partner’s exact income, age, state, and form requirements.
Free File Fillable Forms
Electronic versions of federal tax forms for people comfortable preparing their own return. There is no income limit.
$0federal filing
Federal only. No guided interview and no state return.
Direct File is not an option this season. The federal IRS Direct File program ended before the 2026 filing season. Do not confuse it with state programs such as Direct File Oregon or Wisconsin’s WisTax.
Free help from people
Tax-preparation sites are seasonal. Call or check the locator before traveling, especially outside February through April.
VITA / TCE
IRS-certified volunteer help. VITA generally focuses on people around $70,244 or less, people with disabilities, and limited-English speakers. TCE focuses on age 60+ and retirement questions.
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide
Free help with an emphasis on taxpayers over 50 with low-to-moderate income. No AARP membership is required. Complex business, rental, and AMT returns may be out of scope.
Taxpayer Advocate Service
Free, independent help within the IRS when a tax problem is causing financial difficulty or normal IRS channels have not resolved it.
Bring the basics. Photo ID; Social Security or ITIN cards for everyone on the return; birth dates; W-2s, 1099s and other income statements; last year’s federal and state returns if available; and bank routing/account numbers for direct deposit.
State filing directory
Choose your official state tax agency or free-file page. “No broad income tax” means the state does not generally tax wage income; special taxes or filing duties may still apply.
51 official resources
Low-cost paid options
These are pricing snapshots from the providers’ own sites, not endorsements. Prices can change at checkout, and no links on this page are affiliate links.
Verification notes
Programs, thresholds, filing windows, prices, and supported forms change. This page is a dated guide—not a substitute for checking the source before you file.
Federal status and Free File sources
IRS Free File hub · IRS extension-filer update · IRS 2026 free-options overview
Direct File’s end was cross-checked against the U.S. Treasury tax policy reports and Oregon’s official 2026 filing guidance.
Volunteer and advocacy sources
State-directory scope
Each directory link goes to an official state or District of Columbia government site and was checked on October 7, 2026. In states without a broad individual income tax, the link goes to the official tax agency or an official page explaining that status.
Washington has no broad personal income tax but does have a separate capital gains tax. New Hampshire’s tax on interest and dividends was repealed for periods after December 31, 2024.