The IRS has partnered with various tax preparation software to make it easy and free for certain taxpayers to file their tax returns. Self-filing taxpayers should know about the IRS Free File program, which allows taxpayers to file their federal income taxes for free.
IRS Free File 2025
However, the IRS has free file programs for certain taxpayers who meet certain conditions where they can file their tax return for free and easily. The Free File program is an effort by the Tax Administration to make filing tax returns easy and secure for everyone. As part of the Free File program, taxpayers submit their tax returns through guided tax preparation software.
The program is a private-public partnership between many tax preparation software companies and the IRS to provide taxpayers with free tax filing and tax preparation. According to the program, taxpayers have two ways of submitting their income tax returns, such as:
- Guided tax software, where taxpayers can file taxes online on partner tax administration sites or prepare taxes for free.
- Fillable Free File Form: This is the Form 1040 electronic federal income tax filing form.
Who can use the free IRS file in 2025?
The IRS launched the Free File program to ensure that qualified taxpayers can file their tax returns without paying for tax preparation and the help of tax routing software. Taxpayers who meet the following income thresholds can use the free file to meet their tax obligations:
- Guided Tax Software: Taxpayers whose adjusted gross income is $79,000 or less can use Guided Software to file tax returns under the IRS Free File Program. IRS partner tax preparation software will guide you in calculating your taxes and deductions to file with trusted partners.
- Fillable Form: The option to file taxes on e-file forms is available for taxpayers who are not eligible for Guided Tax Software and have an AGI above $79,000. The fillable options do not provide any guidance on tax calculations and do not assist in the preparation of state taxes.
Benefits of using IRS Free File
The IRS strives to make the process of filing tax returns better and more seamless for taxpayers, IRS Free File is part of the effort, let’s see how the program benefits you:
- When you choose IRS Free File from Free File to file taxes listed on the official IRS website and you qualify for the program, you can file and prepare for your taxes without paying any fees to tax preparation companies that offer such software.
- If you used the IRS free file last year, you will receive an email from the same company with a link to welcome you and help you file your tax return. When you qualify for proMrram you don’t have to pay a fee to use the software to prepare your taxes.
- In addition to federal income tax preparation and filing, the program helps taxpayers with state tax preparation as well for free (some businesses only, not all).
- The software ensures the accuracy of tax calculations and refunds, so that taxpayers do not have to worry about directly submitting a tax return.
- If you don’t qualify for the IRS Free File offer after you’ve reviewed a partner’s website, you can return to IRS Free File to find a company that fits your needs.
- If you can’t find free file companies, you can use the IRS’ online free file search tool to find a company that is a good fit for your tax needs.
- If you have any problems with filing your tax return, you can seek help from the Customer Executive on the partner site and complete your tax obligations.
The supporting document you will need for your free IRS file
Before submitting the tax return for the tax year 2024, taxpayers should prepare the following documents:
- Your valid social security number, your spouse’s number (if applicable), dependent number (if applicable)
- To find your AGI, a copy of your last year’s tax return
- Your sources of income and receipts, such as Social Security benefits, business receipts, income from real estate, partnerships, trusts, etc.
- Your other income information, such as annual wages (W-2), interest paid throughout the year (Form 1099-INT), dividends and distributions from retirement plans (Form 1099-DIV and Form 1099-R), and credit/refund or tax offset (Form 1099-G).
- ACA files (if applicable)
How can you file your 2024 taxes with the IRS free file?
Taxpayers who wish to file their federal income tax return through the IRS Free File Program should first verify their income threshold and qualifications for guided tax software or fillable forms and follow the instructions below to file their taxes:
- When you visit the official IRS website and select the IRS free file option to file your income tax return (tax routing software or fillable forms).
- When you opt for the free file, you’ll be redirected to the IRS partner website and create your account on the website or sign in with your previous login credentials if you’ve already used them to file your tax return.
- Then start preparing your taxes with the relevant information and file your tax returns.
- You will be notified by email that the IRS is receiving your federal income tax returns.
When you file your federal income tax return, you should know whether or not you qualify for a free file by using free options to use leading tax preparation software to help you meet your tax obligations.
