The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) encourages taxpayers who have yet to prepare and file their tax returns to consider taking advantage of the free options available – including IRS Free File, which is free tax preparation software provided through the IRS’s partners. The IRS also offers free, in-person, help through its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs.
IRS Free File
Most taxpayers can file electronically for free by using IRS Free File, available only on IRS.gov.
Currently in its 23rd year, IRS Free File offers free tax preparation software from eight companies in the public-private partnership with the IRS. As part of this partnership, tax preparation and filing software partners offer their online products to eligible taxpayers for free.
This year IRS Free File guided tax software products are available to taxpayers with a 2024 adjusted gross income (AGI) of $84,000 or less. IRS Free File also provides fillable forms for use by any taxpayer, regardless of income, who is comfortable preparing their own return. To access these free tools, taxpayers must start from the IRS Free File page on IRS.gov.
Other free options to file tax returns
In addition to Direct File and IRS Free File, the IRS reminds taxpayers that there are other free programs available to help:
- Volunteer Income Tax Assistance/Tax Counseling for the Elderly. Taxpayers can find organizations in their community with IRS certified volunteers that provide free tax help for eligible taxpayers including working families, the elderly, the disabled and people who speak limited English.
- MilTax. A Department of Defense program, MilTax generally offers free return preparation and electronic filing software for federal income tax returns and up to three state income tax returns for all military members, and some veterans, with no income limit.
Beware of scams
Criminals often impersonate IRS employees and sound very convincing when calling taxpayers in aggressive and sophisticated ways. Taxpayers should stay vigilant and be alert to scams when dealing with taxes.
The IRS usually contacts taxpayers with a letter in the mail explaining what they owe and how to question or appeal what they owe. The IRS will not call, text or contact anyone via social media, specifically, to demand immediate tax payment.
If taxpayers are unsure whether they owe money to the IRS, they can view their tax information using their Online Account on IRS.gov.
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