How to Find Free Tax Help

Millions of Americans are eligible to file their federal taxes online for free this tax season. Kaspars Grinvalds/Shutterstock

As you’re digging through paperwork and online accounts, you’re probably wondering how much it’s going to cost to file your taxes. The process doesn’t have to be as costly and time-consuming as you may think. In fact, millions of Americans are eligible to file their federal taxes in 2025 for free, with user-friendly online tools. There are also free programs out there that provide access to IRS-approved professionals.

Before you panic about tax preparation costs, let’s dig in and look at some of your options.

Free File

Free File is a program run by the IRS and partner tax-preparation software companies. It’s designed to help eligible taxpayers file their federal taxes securely and for free. Generally speaking, you will qualify for Free File if you made $84,000 or less in 2024.

In fact, more than 100 million people are eligible for Free File in 2025, according to the Free File Alliance. This includes partners like TaxAct and TaxSlayer. But the IRS says you won’t get the free service if you go directly to a company’s website. You'll need to go to the IRS partner’s website through IRS Free File.

The easiest way to find which Free File partner you should work with is by using this IRS tool. It will ask you questions about your filing status, age, residence, income, and certain tax credit eligibility.

To determine which services you qualify for, you'll need to provide certain information including the following.

• Wages, tips and other compensation (W-2s)
• Self-employment income
• Social Security benefits (Form SSA-1099)
• Taxable retirement benefits including pension
• Unemployment compensation (Form 1099-G)
• Investment and interest income
• Student loan interest paid (Form 1098-E)
• IRA contributions

Not every Free File program offers free state tax returns. Check with your state’s department of taxation website to see if your state offers a free filing program.

Direct File

Direct File is a new IRS program—launched in 2024 and expanded in 2025—that allows people in certain states to file simple federal tax returns for free.

Run directly by the IRS, Direct File is different from Free File, which partners with private-sector tax preparers.

Direct File offers some advantages for tax filers.

Similar to tax software like Turbo-Tax, it uses an interview-style format to help filers complete their tax returns.

It’s a convenient paperless option, leading to speedier refunds because it uses electronic returns rather than paper.

Because of the format, which eliminates manual data entry, it minimizes the likelihood of tax return errors. And, it allows taxpayers with simple returns to save money on tax preparation.

Limitations to Direct File

There are several limitations to who can use Direct File, however, based on income types, states, and tax situations.

You can’t use Direct File if you made more than $200,000 in 2024. The cap is reduced to $168,600 if you have more than one employer. Married couples filing jointly with combined wages of more than $250,000 are not eligible for Direct File.

Direct File is generally not available to freelance workers and other types of self-employed individuals. Those making tips or collecting alimony also may not be eligible.

You can use Direct File if you have income only from the following sources.

• Income from an employer (Form W-2)
• Unemployment compensation (Form 1099-G)
• Social Security benefits (Form SSA-1099)
• Retirement income (Form 1099-R)
• Interest income (Form 1099-INT)
• Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend

Beginning this month, Direct File will support distributions from common retirement plans like 401(k), pension, annuity, 403(b), or governmental 457(b) plans. You can use Direct File if you have direct rollovers from one employer-sponsored retirement plan to another, or to an IRA.

However, you still won’t be able to use Direct File if you have contributions to an IRA, except for direct rollovers, or distributions from an IRA.

And there are other restrictions. If you use Direct File, you'll need to take the standard deduction. So you can’t itemize your deductions.

And if you’re eligible for Direct File, you can only claim the following credits.

• Child Tax Credit
• Credit for Other Dependents
• Child and Dependent Care Credit
• Earned Income Tax Credit
• Premium Tax Credit
• Saver’s Credit (Retirement Savings Contributions Credit)
• Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled

You can’t use Direct File to claim credits for college tuition or other higher education expenses, for energy efficient home updates, or adoption expenses.

As you can see, these rules put roadblocks on a lot of taxpayers.

How to Find Free In-Person Tax Preparation Help

If you want to work in-person with professionals, you can look into the following programs.

• IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
• Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE)
• AARP Foundation Tax-Aide

These programs have been around for more than 50 years and are staffed by IRS-certified tax preparers who meet high-quality standards, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).

You may qualify for these programs if you meet any of the following.

• Make $67,000 or less
• Have a disability
• Are 60 years or older
• Speak limited English or speak it as a second language

In addition, military service members, eligible family members and survivors, or recent veterans can obtain free tax assistance from MilTax, offered by the Department of Defense.

The Bottom Line

Millions of Americans are eligible to file their federal taxes online for free this tax season. And many could also get free help from in-person professionals.

Consider Free File, Direct File, IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE), or for service members, MilTax.

The Epoch Times copyright © 2025. The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors. They are meant for general informational purposes only and should not be construed or interpreted as a recommendation or solicitation. The Epoch Times does not provide investment, tax, legal, financial planning, estate planning, or any other personal finance advice. The Epoch Times holds no liability for the accuracy or timeliness of the information provided.