Key takeaway: Free tax filing options are available through IRS Free File, government-sponsored community assistance programs and free editions from major tax brands — but not everyone is eligible. You may be able to file your federal and state taxes for free, depending on your income, age, military status and the tax forms you’re required to use.
There are ways to file taxes for free — including IRS programs, community programs and tax software with free versions — but the best choice (and eligibility) depends on your situation and how complex your return is.
You’re more likely to find free tax filing options if your taxes are straightforward or if you qualify based on factors like income, age or disability status. But even if you’re eligible for multiple options, one may stand out from the others based on what you’re looking for, such as live expert support, how easy it is to use, and whether you need to file state taxes in addition to federal.
- Where can I file taxes for free?
- What documents do I need to file my taxes for free?
- Which free filing option is right for me?
- FAQs about how to file taxes for free
Where can I file taxes for free?
If you meet their criteria, you can file your return for free with IRS Free File, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) or MilTax, as well free versions of commercial software such as TurboTax Free Edition. Keep in mind that some “no-cost” filing options may still charge extra for state returns.
When deciding where is best to file your taxes, take a look at how each one works and who typically qualifies.
Free-file providers offer guided preparation for federal returns, though eligibility often depends on your income, age or the complexity of your tax forms.
IRS Free File
Pros
- Free access to some tax prep software to e-file a federal return
- Multiple participating providers to compare
Cons
- Eligibility depends on income and other provider-specific requirements
- State returns may not be included and can cost extra
What it is: IRS Free File is a public-private partnership between the IRS and the Free File Alliance, a group of industry-leading tax prep software companies.
This program provides eligible taxpayers with free access to brand-name tax prep software to prepare and e-file their federal returns at no cost.
The Free File Alliance estimates that about 70% of taxpayers — about 100 million people — qualify for the free IRS e-file.
Who is eligible: If your adjusted gross income is $89,000 or less in 2025, you may be eligible to use Free File for 2026.
How to file for free: To get started, browse the current offers on the IRS website from participating providers and review each provider’s terms to confirm you qualify for a free federal return.
Some partners also include free state filing, while others may charge for state returns. Once you select an offer, you’ll leave IRS.gov and complete your tax return on the provider’s site.
Heads up: Note that if you don’t qualify for guided IRS Free File, the IRS also offers Free File fillable forms, which are available at any income level. This option may be a good option for you if you’re comfortable preparing your own tax return without step-by-step guidance.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly
Pros
- Free, IRS-certified volunteer help with basic tax returns
- TCE is especially helpful for retirement and pension questions, with a focus on adults ages 60+
Cons
- Limited to basic returns and eligibility requirements may apply
- Availability varies by location, hours and languages
What it is: The IRS offers two programs — Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) — that provide free help with basic tax returns for people who qualify.
Who is eligible:
- VITA: You may qualify if you earn $69,000 or less, have a disability or speak limited English.
- TCE: Specializes in pension and retirement-related questions. It offers free tax assistance for all taxpayers, with a focus on helping people age 60 and older.
How to file for free: The IRS website lets you search for VITA sites nationwide and shows details like hours of operation, languages offered and whether you need to schedule an appointment. Trained volunteers can explain common tax issues and prepare basic tax returns for free.
Heads up: Although the IRS oversees both programs, local VITA and TCE sites are operated by community partners and staffed by IRS-certified volunteers.
MilTax for military members and veterans
Pros
- Free tax software plus support from trained consultants (phone or live chat)
- No income limits
- Includes one federal return and up to five state returns at no cost
- Built for common military tax situations including deployments, combat pay and multistate filing
Cons
- Limited to eligible service members, families, survivors and qualifying veterans
- Program offers no in-person assistance
What it is: Offered by the Department of Defense, MilTax is a free military-focused tax filing program that includes tax preparation and e-filing software, plus access to trained consultants who can answer questions by phone or live chat.
Who is eligible: MilTax is available to service members, qualifying veterans and family members. And there are no income limits.
How to file for free: To get started, visit MilitaryOneSource.mil to access the software, review eligibility and find support options. Eligible taxpayers can file one federal return and up to five state returns at no cost. The software is designed for common military tax situations such as deployments, combat pay, frequent moves and multistate filing.
Free editions of tax prep software
Pros
- Convenient guided filing for simple returns
- Multiple well-known providers offer free tiers
- Good fit for straightforward returns (e.g., W-2 income and standard deduction)
Cons
- “Simple” return rules vary by provider
- State returns may cost extra
- More complex situations including 1099 income, stock sales or rental property income may require paid upgrades
- Expert help typically costs extra
What it is: Many major tax software companies offer a free version for tax filers with simple returns. Several major providers — including Credit Karma powered by TurboTax — offer free tiers, so it’s worth comparing what’s included.
Who is eligible: What counts as a “simple return” varies by company, but you’ll often qualify if you only have items such as W-2 income, interest and dividend income, and take the standard deduction. More complicated tax situations — such as multiple income sources or itemized deductions — typically aren’t eligible for the free option.
How to file for free: Choose a provider’s free tier and make sure you’re using its specific “free edition,” which may differ from the same company’s IRS Free File offer. Next, review how the provider defines a “simple return” so you don’t get bumped into a paid upgrade. If you have a straightforward return, you might also file at no cost using TurboTax Free Edition in the Credit Karma app.
Heads up: Before you submit — no matter which free edition you use — confirm the price summary shows $0 and whether state filing is included.
What documents do I need to file my taxes for free?
There are common tax documents you’ll need to file your taxes, but what you’ll use depends on your specific tax situation and the free filing option you choose.
Personal information
- Your Social Security number or Tax ID number
- Social Security number for spouse and any dependents
- Bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit/refund
Income docs
- W-2 forms from each employer
- Form 1099-G (unemployed)
- Interest (1099-INT) and dividends (1099-DIVS) that don’t require filing a Schedule B
- Form 1099-K (payments from payment cards and online marketplaces)
- Form 1099-R (IRA and pension distributions)
Deductions and credits
- Schedule 1-A (Form 1040; deduction for tip income, overtime pay, interest paid on car loans and enhanced deduction for seniors)
- 1098-E (student loan interest)
- 1098-T (tuition)
- Form 8863 (educational credits)
- Property and vehicle tax receipts
- Receipts for cash donations (charitable giving)
- Records for non-cash donations (goods, clothing, etc.)
What documents do I need to file taxes online for free on Credit Karma?
If your tax situation is simple and straightforward, you may be able to file for free using TurboTax Free Edition in the Credit Karma app. In general, a “simple” return is a basic Form 1040 that doesn’t require complex schedules, which are add-on forms used to report specific types of income, deductions or credits.
You’ll usually qualify for the free version if your tax documents include only:
- W-2 income: Wages from an employer
- Limited interest or dividends: Forms like 1099-INT or 1099-DIV that don’t require Schedule B
- Standard deduction: You’re not itemizing deductions such as mortgage interest or medical expenses
- Common tax credits: Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credit (CTC)
- Student loan interest: Interest reported for the student loan interest deduction
- Basic retirement income: Distributions from a qualified retirement plan
Pro tip: If you didn’t file with TurboTax last year, you can file for free on the Credit Karma or TurboTax mobile app even if your taxes are more complex and include such things as investment or freelance income. Just be sure to start in either the TurboTax or Credit Karma mobile app and finish in the app or web browser by 11:59 p.m. ET Feb. 28, 2026, to take advantage of this offer. Offer terms apply.
Which free filing option is right for me?
The best free filing choice depends on your income, the tax forms you need, any life circumstances that affect your return (such as retirement income or military service) and how much help you want along the way.
- Determine your adjusted gross income for tax year 2025.
- Size up the complexity of your return. If you only have W-2 income and take the standard deduction, it’s likely pretty straightforward.
- Consider any special circumstances, such as retirement or pension questions, or being a member of the military, a qualifying veteran or a family member.
- Decide whether you’d like in-person help or prefer to file on your own.
With these considerations in mind, you’re ready to choose the filing route that fits your needs and comfort level — whether that’s IRS Free File, VITA, TCE, MilTax or a commercial free edition for a simple return.
Review you options carefully so you’re not surprised by charges for state filing or optional add-ons.
When you’re ready, e-filing with direct deposit is usually the fastest way to get your refund. The IRS says most refunds arrive within 21 days after your return is accepted, though timing can vary.
When should I consider paying to file taxes?
Consider paying to file your taxes when a paid version saves you time, reduces stress or helps you file more accurately — especially if your return includes forms that free tiers don’t cover. That can include paying for state filing when it isn’t free or upgrading for more complex situations like freelance income, stock sales or rental property. You may also decide it’s worth the cost if you want live expert support or a review for peace of mind. Before you submit, check the final price summary so you understand exactly what you’re paying for, including any state fees or add-ons.
Relevant sources: Free File Alliance, IRS: E-file: Do your taxes for free / IRS: Free tax return preparation for qualifying taxpayers / IRS: Free File software – Most commonly filed federal forms are available / USA.gov: How to file your federal income tax return / Military OneSource: Miltax: Free Tax Services / IRS: Form 1099-K / IRS: Form 1099-G / IRS: Form 1099-INT / IRS: Form 1099-DIV / Publication 4491, VITA/TCE Training Guide / USA.gov: Get free help with your tax return / IRS: IRS Free File can handle many complicated tax returns / IRS: Instructions for Schedule A (Form 1040)
FAQs about how to file taxes for free
If your tax situation is simple, you may be able to file for free using TurboTax Free Edition in the Credit Karma app, which generally covers basic Form 1040 returns with W-2 income, the standard deduction and common credits like the Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit. You can get started at Credit Karma powered by TurboTax.
Yes, but it depends on the program or provider you use and your tax situation. With IRS Free File, some participating providers include free state filing, while others charge for state returns. So check the offer details before you submit.
IRS Free File only supports filing your current-year tax return, not prior years. For past returns, you may be able to get free help at Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) or Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) sites — often for the previous three years.
The best way to file taxes for free is to start with the option you’re most likely to qualify for, such as IRS Free File, VITA/TCE, MilTax or a commercial free edition for simple returns, like Credit Karma powered by TurboTax. Before you begin, check what “free” includes — especially whether state filing and the forms you need are covered.