The IRS Free File program has opened its doors for the 2025 tax season, meaning millions of eligible taxpayers can now file their returns at no cost. The IRS program is a push to make filing taxes easier and more accessible for low-income earners. Here is what you need to know about the program and whether you qualify.
IRS Free File overview
Starting January 10, 2025, taxpayers with an Adjusted Gross Income of $84,000 or less will be able to prepare and file their tax return at no cost. Through the IRS Free File program, private-sector partners will offer seamless filing that is easy. The IRS will try to make the filing experience as uncomplicated as possible and allow the filing of all claims by eligible taxpayers for credits and deductions at no cost.
Taxpayers can start filing now, but the real electronic submissions won’t be accepted until the real tax season gets underway later in January. According to the IRS, it put the service only on its own site so as not to lose the free deals for taxpayers.
Eligibility requirements
Taxpayers are eligible to use the IRS Free File program if they meet the eligibility requirements:
- Adjusted Gross Income: For tax year 2024, the AGI should not be over $84,000.
- Access to technology: When filing online through the website, taxpayers must have a computer, mobile phone, or tablet.
Although the AGI limit is uniform, each participating software company has its own eligibility requirements, which differ by age, state of residence, and military status. Taxpayers should check the specific requirements of a provider before choosing one.
Participating providers
The following companies are participating in the Free File program for the 2025 tax season:
- TaxSlayer
- TaxAct
- FreeTaxUSA (TaxHawk)
- 1040Now
- 1040.com (Drake)
- OnLine Taxes
- FileYourTaxes.com
- nezTaxReturn.com
Each of these preparers has how-to software for the preparation of their customers’ tax returns. They may also offer free state tax return preparation that is added on to the no-cost filing offered by this program.
Benefits of Free Filing
In addition to the free federal tax filing, the IRS Free File program allows taxpayers to claim their potential refunds by offering a number of credits and deductions. These eligible credits include:
- Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
- Child Tax Credit (CTC)
- Premium Tax Credit (PTC)
However, not all software will contain each credit or deduction. Taxpayers should review what benefits are available through their selected software before they begin preparing their returns.
Alternatives for ineligible filers
If a taxpayer’s AGI is above $84,000 or they do not otherwise qualify to use Free File, there are other alternatives:
- Free File Fillable Forms: It does provide taxpayers with choices to fill and file their Federal Tax Return paper on standard IRS. This option comes in electronic versions with no information on how to handle calculations on them.
- IRS Direct File: This is an IRS program allowing taxpayers to directly file with the IRS free of charge. The program does not have an income limit but only available in specific states and is not compatible with all types of income or deductions.
- VITA: VITA is a program that offers free assistance from IRS-certified volunteers. It is specifically for individuals whose income is below $67,000 annually or are disabled or whose primary language is not English.
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