Taxes may seem difficult but choosing a way to file doesn’t have to be. Paying for tax preparation can be expensive, costing $50 to $500. That fee drains money from your tax refund. Luckily, there are several free tax filing options available, both in-person and online.
Note: If you claim the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Child Tax Credit, your refund will be delayed regardless of whether you use free tax preparation or go to a paid tax preparer.Free tax filing services
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax-Aide sites offer free and reliable tax filing services that can ease the stress of tax filing and help you get the most out of your tax return.
Free tax filing sites provide services in different ways including in-person, virtual, or drop-off. Some sites offering in-person service require an appointment. Sites will tell you what you need to bring and how to get ready for your appointment.
With drop-off service, you’ll be able to drop off your tax documents and any pre-filled forms at a secure location. Then, an IRS-certified VITA volunteer will work on your tax return. You will be contacted to return to the VITA site to review and sign your tax return after it has been prepared. It will then be sent to the IRS.
With virtual tax service, you will send your tax documents online through a secure platform. An IRS-certified VITA volunteer will review your documents and contact you for additional information to complete your tax return. Your tax return will be sent back to you for review before it is filed electronically with the IRS.
For any service, the process will depend on the location. Contact your local VITA site for more information. Review this document to see the tax forms most sites can and cannot prepare and important items to bring to tax appointment.
Free in-person tax filing service
VITA and Tax-Aide are IRS-sponsored programs that provide free tax preparation for those who earn less than about $67,000. These programs prioritize accuracy and filing your tax return correctly. Free tax preparation programs have an accuracy rate of over 90 percent, the highest in the industry. The annual training that VITA and Tax-Aide volunteers undergo helps prevent the IRS from spending more time reviewing your return. This also reduces the time taxpayers spend to get tax filing mistakes corrected.
Tax-Aide is sometimes referred to as Tax Counseling for the Elderly or TCE. This program, frequently run through the AARP Foundation, primarily serves seniors, although, there is no age requirement to get tax help. VITA offers free tax preparation for workers of any age.
VITA and Tax-Aide sites may offer free tax preparation in-person, through drop-off, or virtually. Some sites also can connect you with other financial resources like financial coaching, budgeting classes, or savings programs. Contact your local free tax filing site to learn what is available.
Free virtual tax filing service
Code for America, in partnership with VITA, has created Get Your Refund, a fully virtual intake process for free tax assistance to file federal and state returns. This service is a free alternative to prepare your tax return if a VITA site is not in your area.
If you earn less than about $67,000, you can visit Get Your Refund to connect with an IRS-certified volunteer who will help you file your taxes. First, you will upload your tax documents online. Then, an IRS-certified volunteer will call you to discuss, prepare, and review your tax return for filing.
You can also use Get Your Refund to file your own taxes for free if you earn less than about $79,000. The platform guides you through the process and has IRS-certified chat support if you have questions. This is a good option if you are comfortable using technology, including sending pictures or documents electronically.
Free online tax software
Online free tax preparation offers a convenient and reliable way to file your taxes.
If you’re comfortable using computers or a mobile device, consider using free online tax software to file your tax return.
IRS Direct File returns for the 2025 tax filing season! Direct File allows eligible tax filers in 25 states to electronically file their 2024 federal tax return for free, directly with the IRS. The mobile-friendly tool is available in English and Spanish.The tool is available until October 15, 2025 to all who qualify and live in the following 25 states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Visit https://directfile.irs.gov to learn more.
