IR-2025-03, Jan. 7, 2025
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service announced today that the IRS Free ob体育 Guided Tax Software will be available Friday for taxpayers ahead of the official start of tax season later this month.
Starting Jan. 10, the IRS Free ob体育 will begin accepting individual tax returns. Millions of taxpayers nationwide can access free software tools offered by trusted IRS Free ob体育 partners by visiting IRS.gov.
“The IRS remains committed to its partnership with Free ob体育 Inc. to ensure taxpayers have free and secure options for filing their taxes electronically,” said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel. “Taxpayers have multiple filing choices, including trusted tax professionals, tax software, Free ob体育, Direct ob体育 or free preparation services through IRS partners. Over the years, Free ob体育 has helped millions of taxpayers, providing a fast and simple way to file their returns. This program continues to be a valuable resource for eligible individuals looking to file their taxes for free through this unique program.”
Entering its 23rd filing season, IRS Free ob体育 is just one of many free options available to taxpayers for filing their tax returns, whether online or in person. This service is made possible through a public-private partnership between the IRS and Free ob体育 Inc. (formerly the Free ob体育 Alliance). As part of this partnership, tax preparation and filing software partners offer their online products to eligible taxpayers for free. To access these free tools, taxpayers must start from the IRS Free ob体育 page on IRS.gov.
This year, eight private-sector partners will provide online guided tax software products for taxpayers with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $84,000 or less in 2024. Additionally, one partner will offer a product in Spanish.
Although the IRS official tax filing season begins later this month, IRS Free ob体育 providers will allow taxpayers to prepare and file returns now and hold them until they can be electronically filed on that date. Many other software companies offer a similar option.
Taxpayers with an AGI above $84,000 can use the Free ob体育 Fillable Forms (FFFF) starting Jan. 27. These electronic versions of IRS paper forms are ideal for individuals who are comfortable preparing their own taxes using IRS instructions and publications.
Understanding IRS Free ob体育
Each IRS Free ob体育 trusted partner establishes its own eligibility criteria based on age, income, state residency and military status.
Taxpayers with an AGI of $84,000 or less in 2024 can find an IRS Free ob体育 product; some providers include free state tax return preparation and filing. All partners offer active-duty military personnel with an AGI of $84,000 or less in 2024, free tax preparation and filing using IRS Free ob体育.
Use IRS Free ob体育 to claim valuable tax credits if eligible
IRS Free ob体育 offers a simple, no-cost way for taxpayers to claim the full amount of tax benefits for which they’re eligible, including the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), the Child Tax Credit and other valuable credits. The EITC is available to qualified taxpayers with earned income under $66,819. The EITC Assistant, available in English and seven other languages, can help taxpayers determine if they qualify.
The EITC is just one of several refundable tax credits related to family and dependent care that individuals without a filing requirement may still be eligible to claim. Refundable tax credits allow taxpayers to receive a refund even if they owe no tax, or refundable credits can reduce the amount of tax owed, potentially leading to a refund. For more details on the EITC and other tax credits, visit .
How to find the right IRS Free ob体育 product
Taxpayers are responsible for determining their eligibility for a free federal tax return from the list of trusted partners.
- Go to IRS.gov/freefile,
- Click on Explore Free Guided Tax Software button. Then select the Find a Trusted Partner tool for help in finding the right product, or
- Use the Browse All Trusted Partners tool to review each offer,
- Select the desired product, and
- Follow the links to the trusted partner's website to begin their tax return.
No computer? No problem. IRS Free ob体育 products support mobile phone access. Taxpayers can do their taxes on their smart phone or tablet.
IRS Free ob体育 participants
For 2025, the following trusted partners are participating in IRS Free ob体育:
- 1040Now
- Drake (1040.com)
- ezTaxReturn.com
- ob体育YourTaxes.com
- On-Line Taxes
- TaxAct
- TaxHawk (FreeTaxUSA)
- TaxSlayer
For 2025, ezTaxReturn.com will provide an IRS Free ob体育 product in Spanish.
IRS Free ob体育 helps taxpayers save money and file their taxes quickly and easily. For more information or to get started on a tax return today, visit IRS Free ob体育: Do your taxes for free.