The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced that IRS Free File tax software programs will be available starting Friday, January 10, 2025. Free File is a program designed to help eligible taxpayers prepare and file their federal tax returns at no cost.
For taxpayers with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $84,000 or less, IRS Free Tax Software provides easy to use options for tax filers. This year, eight private-sector partners are participating in the program, with one offering support in Spanish.
How IRS Free File Works
IRS Free File is an IRS partnership with private tax software companies. Each tax software company establishes it’s own eligibility to use their free version – including age, income, state residency, and military status.
To access IRS Free File, taxpayers must visit the Free File page on IRS.gov. From there, users can explore software options and begin preparing their returns.
While the IRS will not begin processing returns until later this month, users can file early, and their returns will be held securely until processing starts.
For individuals completing their own taxes without tax software, the Free File Fillable Forms, an electronic version of IRS paper forms, will be available beginning January 27. This option is open to taxpayers of all income levels.
What Companies Are Participating In IRS Free File?
For 2025, the following companies are participating:
- 1040Now
- 1040.com
- ezTaxReturn.com
- FileYourTaxes.com
- On-Line Taxes
- TaxAct
- TaxHawk
- TaxSlayer
ezTaxReturn is also providing a Spanish language version this year.
Important Reminders For Families
For families that don’t know if they qualify for IRS Free File, it’s important to remember that once you start on the free version via the IRS portal, you cannot simply upgrade to a paid version at the same company.
These programs created in partnership with the IRS are essentially separate from their main programs. As such, if you find yourself completing your return and unable to continue, you’ll have to restart elsewhere.
The Free File program is also separate from the new IRS Direct File Program, which is the IRS’s own tax filing software. This option will return in 2025, and will expand to more states as well.
Finally, the IRS says that most taxpayers should receive their tax refunds within 21 days. As such, families should try to avoid tax refund loans and simply work to get their tax returns prepared.
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