The 2024 tax season is underway as of January 29. Whether you plan to file soon or are still preparing to file by the April 15 deadline, IRS Free File programs could help you save more. Free tax filing 2024 offered by the IRS will allow millions of Americans to file their federal tax returns for free as long as they make less than a certain income threshold. Ready to get started? Learn how it works and find participating tax preparation software below.
What is IRS Free File?
IRS Free File is a government-sponsored program that lets you prepare and file federal income tax returns online. This is a public-private partnership between the IRS and tax preparation and filing software industry companies. You can file with guided tax software or fillable forms.
Taxpayers whose adjusted gross income (AGI) is $79,000 or less qualify for a free federal tax return with either option. You can choose from participating online tax preparation software that allows you to file for free to maximize tax deductions and accurately report all income.
If you make more than $79,000 AGI, you can use the IRS Free File forms online to file your taxes or to request an automatic tax-filing extension electronically. It may not be the best way to file taxes for many preparers, especially for high-income filers.
Eligibility Requirements for the IRS Free File
Anyone is eligible to use the IRS free filing system. However, to use the guided tax software, you must have an adjusted gross income of $79,000 or less in 2023.
If you are eligible, the tax preparation companies on the platform will help you prepare your federal return, and some will process your state return. Even with a higher income, you may use the IRS's fillable forms. You can find the IRS free fillable forms here.
Note that in addition to IRS partners, there are a number of other free tax filing options, including H&R Block Free Online, TurboTax Free Edition and TaxSlayer Simply Free.
How the IRS Free File Program Works
The IRS's Free File program can help you find answers to basic questions. It can also perform calculations and file your federal return with the IRS. The step-by-step process can help you get federal taxes done quickly and securely without costs.
The Free File program is accessible via computer, smartphone or tablet. You cannot file in person or through the mail. Free File is only available for filing from the tax year of 2023 forward and can't be used to submit returns for any previous years.
To file with IRS Free File, you'll need verification of your financial information and identity, including:
- Income statements (W2s, 1099s)
- Social Security numbers for you, your spouse or dependents
- Your 2021 adjusted gross income as reported on your tax return
How to File Your Taxes for Free in 4 Steps
The step-by-step process of how to use the IRS Free File program is simple. Here's what you'll need to do:
- Visit the IRS's Free File website
- Click the button called, "Explore Free Guided Tax Software"
- On the next page, you can select “Browse All Trusted Partners" or "Find Your Trusted Partner(s)"
- Select the tax preparation software that is best for you
- Follow the link to your specific provider's website
- Start your tax returns with your chosen provider, complete the tax return and file with the IRS
Participating Tax Software Providers in IRS Free File Program
The eight trusted partners for the IRS Free File program are some of the largest tax providers in the U.S. Read on for an overview of how each tax preparation software could help you.
TaxHawk (FreeTaxUSA)
TaxHawk, formerly known as FreeTaxUSA, is available for individuals with an adjusted gross income of $45,000 or less. If on active military duty, free filing is available for earners with an AGI of $79,000 or less. There's no age restriction and you'll get a free federal return for all states.
As an additional bonus, you also free state returns for all states. Even if you earn more than the maximum AGI for free filing, the cost to file your state return is just $14.99.
TaxSlayer
TaxSlayer is a good solution for anyone with an AGI of $44,000 or less. If you're active duty military with an adjusted gross income of $79,000 or less, you can also use TaxSlayer. If you don't qualify based on income requirements, you may also qualify if you are eligible for the earned income tax credit (EITC).
TaxSlayer has no age limitations and offers free federal returns for all states. You can also file free state returns for 23 states: AR, AZ, DC, GA, IA, ID, IN, KY, MA, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NY, OR, RI, SC, VA, VT and WV. You may file your state return in all other states for $39.95.
1040Now
You can use 1040Now with an adjusted gross income of $68,000 or less. There are also no age restrictions for filers. 1040Now offers free federal returns for all states except Indiana. It doesn't offer free state returns, but you can add state filing for $17.95.
Drake (1040.com)
Drake is available for individuals with an adjusted gross income between $17,000 and $79,000. All active military members can use Drake for free, regardless of income. There are no age restrictions for filers.
You'll get a free federal return for qualifying individuals. If you don't qualify, you can pay $25 for a federal and state return. For qualifying individuals, Drake offers free returns in 25 states. You can add non-supported states for $9.99.
ezTaxReturn.com
ezTaxReturn.com offers free tax filing for all tax filers with an adjusted gross income of $79,000 or less. There are no age restrictions. ezTaxReturn is only available with free federal returns for 30 states.
States with free federal filings are AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, GA, ID, IL, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, PA, SC, VA, WA and WI. You can find all federal and state tax return information from ezTaxReturn.com here.
There are no free state returns, but you can add state filings for $24.99.
FileYourTaxes.com
If you have an adjusted gross income between $8,500 to $79,000, you could use FileYourTaxes.com. Unlike most others, FileYourTaxes.com, is only available to filers age 64 or younger.
It offers free federal returns for residents for all states. It also offers free state returns in four states: AL, MT, RI and WV. For a $40 fee, you can file state taxes in all other states.
On-Line Taxes
Like FileYourTaxes, On-Line Taxes are only free for individuals with an AGI of $45,000 or less. If you are active duty military, you can file free taxes with an AGI of $79,000 or less. There is no age restriction and the option for free federal return for all states.
You can also access free state returns for all states. If you don’t qualify for a free federal offer, state return is $9.95.
TaxAct
TaxAct is available for anyone with an AGI of $79,000 or less. However, it's only available for people who are 20 to 58 years old, or anyone, regardless of age if they are active duty military.
You can access free federal returns for all states. You can also get free state returns for ten states. These are: AR, IA, ID, MS, MT, ND, RI, VT, WA and WV. For all other states, the filing fee is $39.99.
Filing Your Taxes For Free
Getting ahead of your taxes with free tax preparation software can help you save valuable time and gain peace of mind. If you have an AGI of $79,000 or less, taking advantage of IRS Free File is an excellent solution to save more. Depending on the preparation you choose, you could file both state and federal tax returns for free. You can also find the best way to file taxes and the best free tax software solutions here.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can we start filing taxes for 2024?
You can start filing taxes for the 2024 tax season — for the 2023 tax year — from January 29, 2024. You can already file taxes for the year.
What is the income limit for IRS Free File?
The income limit for the IRS Free File with tax preparation software is $79,000 adjusted gross income. However, you may use the basic IRS filing system at any income level.
Is IRS Free File a good idea?
IRS Free File is a good idea if you have an adjusted gross income under $79,000. It can help you save more and simplify tax filing.
About Alison Plaut
Alison Plaut is a personal finance writer with a sustainable MBA, passionate about helping people learn more about financial basics for wealth building and financial freedom. She has more than 17 years of writing experience, focused on real estate and mortgage, business, personal finance, and investing. Her work has been published in The Motley Fool, MoneyLion, and she is a regular contributor for Benzinga.