Filing taxes can be stressful, but free help is available to make the process easier. Keep reading to find out if you qualify for free tax filing services and where to get free help from tax volunteers.

Free Tax Help

Some tax filing options offered through the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) are free for everyone. Others have income limits or other rules that may disqualify you. Take a look at the options below to see which one works best for you.

Paper forms

If you feel comfortable following IRS instructions and filling out forms by hand, you can use paper tax forms to file your taxes for free. Some public libraries and senior centers have tax forms you can use.

You can also:

The IRS also gives step-by-step instructions to help you fill out your tax forms. You can get printable instructions by picking them up in person, asking for them when you call the IRS, or downloading them here.

For large-print, Braille, or audio versions, visit the Accessible IRS Tax Products page.

IRS Direct File

The Direct File program is available in 25 states and lets you file your taxes directly on the IRS website for free. This program is only available to people with certain types of income, such as:

  • Wages (reported on a W-2)
  • Social Security (reported on form SSA-1099)
  • Unemployment (reported on form 1099-G)
  • Earned interest (reported on form 1099-INT)
  • Railroad retirement (reported on form 1099-R)

You can use this IRS tool to see if you qualify for Direct File.  If you qualify and are ready to file your taxes using IRS Direct File, you first need to create a secure online account. You can do this from a desktop computer, mobile device, or tablet. Once you register, you’ll get step-by-step instructions on how to fill out and send in your federal tax forms.

Ready? File your taxes using IRS Direct File now.

Note: This program does not support state tax filing but will direct you to a free state tool to file your state taxes. Live customer support is available in English and Spanish.

IRS Free File

Free File is a partnership between the IRS and the Free File Alliance, a group of tax software companies, and is available in all 50 states.

If your adjusted gross income (AGI) was $84,000 or less in 2024, you may qualify for IRS Free File. To check your AGI, look at last year’s tax return on IRS Form 1040—it’s listed near the top and should say “this is your adjusted gross income.”

To use Free File, start by selecting a tax software company listed on the IRS website. Each software company has its own rules, so the IRS offers a comparison tool to help you find the best match. You must start from the IRS Free File page—if you go directly to the company’s website, you may not get the free option.

The software walks you through your tax return step by step and does the math for you. When finished, you can file electronically with the IRS at no cost. Some Free File providers also offer free state tax returns, which you can check in the comparison tool.

Note: If your AGI is over $84,000, you can still use the program’s fillable forms and file for free, but you will have to complete the forms and calculations yourself.

Ready? Learn more and get started with IRS Free File.

MilTax

MilTax is a free tax service for current and recently retired military members and their families. Some rules may apply.

If you qualify, you can use MilTax’s online software to file your federal and state taxes. The software is designed for military tax situations. You can also get free help from tax experts by phone, online, or in person at a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) center.

Click here to learn more or to start filing your taxes using Miltax.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program provides free tax help to people who qualify. It is funded by the IRS and run by trained volunteers. You may qualify for VITA if you:

  • Make $67,000 or less
  • Have a disability
  • Need help with English translation
  • Qualify for MilTax

VITA volunteers work in community locations like senior centers, libraries, and schools and offer help from January until the tax deadline in April.

To find a VITA location near you use the VITA program locator online or call 800-906-9887. To see what documents you may be required to bring, click here.

Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE)

Like VITA, The Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program offers free tax help but focuses on retirement and pension taxes. It is for adults age 60 or older with low to moderate incomes.

TCE volunteers often work in the same places as VITA, such as community centers and libraries. To find a TCE location near you, use the TCE program locator online or call 800-906-9887.