Millions of Americans pay to file their taxes every year when they don't have to. The IRS offers multiple free filing options — some through brand-name tax software, others through free in-person preparation services — but awareness of these programs remains surprisingly low. Studies show that a significant majority of eligible filers don't use free filing options, spending money on commercial software or paid preparers that could stay in their pockets.
IRS Free File
If your adjusted gross income was $89,000 or less, you can use IRS Free File to prepare and e-file your federal return at no cost. Free File is a partnership between the IRS and several commercial tax software companies. You access it through irs.gov/freefile, where you'll see a list of available providers. Each provider has its own eligibility criteria (some are limited to lower income levels or specific states), but collectively they cover anyone under the $89,000 AGI threshold.
The software walks you through your return step by step, calculates your credits and deductions, and files electronically. It handles common situations including W-2 income, the Earned Income Tax Credit, the Child Tax Credit, student loan interest deductions, and more. Some providers also offer free state filing, though others charge for the state return.
If your income exceeds $89,000, you can still use IRS Free File Fillable Forms — electronic versions of paper tax forms that you fill in yourself. This option is best for people comfortable with tax preparation who just need a free way to e-file.
VITA: Free In-Person Tax Preparation
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program provides free tax preparation to people who generally earn $67,000 or less, people with disabilities, and taxpayers with limited English proficiency. VITA sites are located in community centers, libraries, schools, and other public locations across the country. They're staffed by IRS-certified volunteers who prepare and file your return on the spot.
To find a VITA site near you, call 1-800-906-9887 or use the VITA locator tool on irs.gov. Many sites operate on a walk-in basis during tax season (typically January through April), though some require appointments. Bring your government-issued photo ID, Social Security cards for everyone on the return, all income documents (W-2s, 1099s), and last year's tax return if available.
TCE: Tax Counseling for the Elderly
The Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program provides free tax help to people aged 60 and older. TCE volunteers specialize in issues relevant to seniors — pensions, Social Security, retirement distributions, and Medicare-related tax questions. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, one of the largest TCE programs, operates thousands of sites nationwide and is available to taxpayers of all ages, with a focus on those over 50 with low to moderate income.
Find an AARP Tax-Aide site at aarp.org/findtaxhelp or call 1-888-227-7669.
MilTax: Free Filing for Military
Active duty service members, reservists, National Guard members, and their families can file both federal and up to three state returns for free through MilTax. The software handles military-specific situations like combat zone exclusions, moving expenses, and multi-state filing. Access it through militaryonesource.mil.
Why Free Filing Matters
The average cost of having a professional prepare a basic tax return is over $200, and commercial software can run $50 to $150 or more. For a household that's eligible for thousands of dollars in refundable credits, spending that money on preparation is a meaningful and avoidable cost. Every dollar you spend on tax preparation is a dollar subtracted from your refund.
Free filing also ensures you're actually claiming the credits you're entitled to. VITA and TCE volunteers are specifically trained on credits like the EITC and Child Tax Credit that many low-income filers miss. Tax software walks you through eligibility questions to catch deductions you might not think to claim.
