2025 Tax Year: IRS Opens Filing Season With Multiple Free Filing Options
The Internal Revenue Service has opened the 2026 tax filing season and is now accepting federal individual income tax returns for tax year 2025. Taxpayers have several electronic filing options, including free options based on income and eligibility. Read the IRS filing season announcement.
For many taxpayers, the primary no-cost option is IRS Free File. IRS Free File provides guided tax preparation and free electronic filing through IRS partner providers for eligible taxpayers. Use IRS Free File.
Taxpayers who do not qualify for guided software, or who prefer to complete forms themselves, can use Free File Fillable Forms. This option provides electronic federal forms and supports free e-filing for any income level. Access Free File Fillable Forms.
Free in-person help is also available through IRS-supported volunteer programs. Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, known as VITA, helps qualifying taxpayers prepare and file basic returns at no cost. Find a VITA site.
The Tax Counseling for the Elderly program, known as TCE, focuses on tax help for people age 60 and older, with emphasis on retirement-related tax questions. Locations are available through the same IRS site locator. Find a TCE site.
Members of the military community may also qualify for MilTax, a free tax preparation and e-filing service supported by the Department of Defense. Learn about MilTax.
Taxpayers who prefer to file on paper can download federal forms and instructions and mail the return. Paper filing is free but typically takes longer to process than e-filing. Get IRS forms and instructions.
The IRS encourages taxpayers to file electronically when possible and choose direct deposit for faster refunds. More filing guidance is available on the IRS website. See IRS filing guidance.
For a season overview focused on free options, the IRS also provides a tax tip that summarizes available free filing methods. Read the IRS tax tip on free filing options.
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