IRS Free File: Everything to know as 2025 tax season begins

2025 tax season officially on us.

The Internal Revenue Service will make its free file preparation service available starting Jan. 10, the federal agency said in a release. press release.

Free File is a program that allows some taxpayers to file their taxes for free using managed software.

Taxpayers with adjusted gross income of $84,000 or less in 2024 can use Free File. Those who meet the criteria should begin their return by selecting the “Free File” option on IRS website (Taxpayers will not find this free service on the website of a tax preparer that has partnered with the IRS to participate in Free File; in 2025, these partners will include TaxHawk, TaxSlayer, 1040Now and ezTaxReturn).

While taxpayers with adjusted gross income of $84,000 or less can use Free File, the IRS noted that each partner has its own eligibility criteria based on age, in-state residency and military status, among other factors. Some providers may also offer free state tax return preparation.

Once Free File is open for use, taxpayers can prepare their returns and store them until the official IRS tax season begins in January.

Free-to-fill IRS forms, which are electronic versions of regular paper IRS forms, will be available to everyone starting January 27th. Taxpayers who do not qualify for free filing can use fillable forms if they feel comfortable preparing their own taxes. regardless.

“Free File has helped millions of taxpayers over the years by providing a quick and easy way to file their taxes,” IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel said in an agency statement.