Filing your taxes for free

Do it like this

1. Check whether you have to file. For 2025, a single filer under 65 had to file with gross income of $15,750 or more, or with over $400 in net earnings from self-employment like side jobs. Source: IRS² If a parent can claim you as a dependent, the limits are different: for example, earned income over $15,750 or unearned income over $1,350. Source: IRS²
2. File even if you don't have to, if federal income tax was withheld from your paycheck or you qualify for a refundable credit. You may get money back. Source: IRS²
3. Gather your forms. Employers and others who paid you must send W-2s and 1099s in January or February. Common ones: W-2 for wages, 1099-NEC for freelance and gig work, 1099-K for payment apps and online marketplaces, 1099-INT for bank interest, 1099-G for unemployment. Source: IRS³ Wait until you have all of them.
4. Go to IRS.gov/freefile, not a company's site directly. You only get IRS Free File if you start at IRS.gov. Source: IRS¹ Guided tax software is free with an adjusted gross income (AGI) of $89,000 or less, and each partner sets its own rules on income, age and state, so use the "Find your trusted partner" tool. Source: IRS¹
5. Over the limit, or comfortable with forms? Free File Fillable Forms is free at any income, but it does limited math and no state return. Source: IRS¹
6. Want a person to help? VITA sites offer free basic tax prep by IRS-certified volunteers, generally for people who make about $70,244 or less, people with disabilities and people who speak limited English. Every return gets a quality review before it's filed. Source: IRS⁶
7. File by the deadline: April 15 for most people, or the next business day if it falls on a weekend or holiday. Source: IRS⁴ Choose direct deposit for your refund.
8. Save the email confirming the IRS accepted your return, plus a copy of the return. Source: IRS¹ You'll need this year's AGI to e-file next year. Source: IRS³

Which free option fits

From the IRS. Source: IRS¹

After you file

From the IRS refunds page. Source: IRS⁵

Check with the IRS's Where's My Refund tool or the IRS app. You'll need your Social Security number, filing status and exact refund amount. Source: IRS⁵

Tax folder checklist

• Every W-2
• Every 1099
• Tuition and education expense records, if you have them
• 1095-A, if you had a Marketplace health plan
• Records from side jobs: payment app statements, receipts, mileage
• Last year's return
• This year's accepted return and confirmation email

If it doesn't work

• Return rejected? In most cases you can fix the error and resubmit electronically before the deadline. Source: IRS¹
• Can't find a W-2? Ask your employer for a copy first; the IRS explains what to do next if you still don't get it. Source: IRS³
• Need more time? File Form 4868 by the deadline for an automatic 6-month extension. It's an extension to file, not to pay, so pay what you owe by the original date. Source: IRS⁴
• Owe and can't pay? File on time anyway. There's a separate penalty for not filing, and interest and a monthly late-payment penalty on unpaid tax. Pay what you can and look at an IRS payment plan. Source: IRS⁷
• Refund smaller than expected? It can be reduced to pay past-due debts like back taxes, child support or state income tax, and you'll get a notice. Source: IRS⁵