It happens every year. You see the bright neon "Free" sign on a tax software homepage, spend three hours digging through your shoebox of receipts, and right before you hit the submit button, a pop-up appears: "To claim your student loan interest, please upgrade to Deluxe for $59.99." Honestly, it’s infuriating. Finding out where to do taxes free shouldn't feel like navigating a minefield of dark patterns and bait-and-switch marketing.
The truth is that the "Free File" landscape has shifted massively over the last couple of years. For a long time, the big players in the industry basically hid the truly free versions of their software from Google search results. They didn't want you to find the IRS-mandated versions; they wanted you on their "Free Edition" which is basically a funnel into paid upgrades. But things are different now. We have the IRS Direct File pilot expanding, non-profits stepping up, and some surprising corporate shifts that actually benefit the average filer.
If you made under $79,000 in 2025, you are legally entitled to free tax preparation. That’s not a suggestion. It’s a formal agreement between the IRS and the Free File Alliance. Yet, millions of people who qualify for these programs still end up paying. Why? Because the marketing budgets of the "Big Tax" companies are bigger than the IRS outreach budget. Let’s break down exactly where you can go to keep your money in your pocket.
The IRS Direct File Revolution
This is the big one. After decades of lobbying from private companies to prevent it, the IRS finally launched its own direct filing system. It’s called Direct File. It isn't just a "link" to another site; it is a government-run interview-style tool. Think of it like a simplified version of TurboTax, but run by the people who actually collect the taxes.
Last year’s pilot was a massive success in states like California, New York, and Washington. For 2026, the program is scaling up. It’s clean. There are no upsells. No one is trying to sell you a high-interest refund anticipation loan. However, there’s a catch. It currently only handles relatively straightforward returns. If you have W-2 income, standard deductions, or simple Social Security benefits, you’re golden. If you’re trying to navigate complex K-1s from a partnership or heavy crypto day-trading losses, you might not be eligible just yet.
But for the average person wondering where to do taxes free, this should be your first stop. You don't have to worry about a "deluxe" version because there is only one version. It’s free. Period.
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Free File vs. "Free Edition" (The Trap)
You’ve got to be careful with terminology here. There is a world of difference between "IRS Free File" and a company’s "Free Edition."
IRS Free File is a partnership. Companies like TaxAct and FreeTaxUSA agree to provide their full software for free to people under that $79,000 income threshold. This includes things that usually cost extra, like health savings accounts (HSAs) or unemployment income.
The "Free Edition" you see advertised on TV? That’s different. That’s a proprietary product. Usually, the moment you have anything slightly "complicated"—even something as common as a 1099-NEC for a side gig or a student loan interest deduction—the software will lock you out until you pay.
My Top Pick: FreeTaxUSA
I’m going to be blunt. If you don't qualify for the IRS Direct File or you live in a state that isn't supported yet, FreeTaxUSA is arguably the best place to go. They are the "anti-TurboTax." Their interface looks like it was designed in 2012, but it works flawlessly.
- Federal returns are $0 for everyone. No income cap.
- They don't charge extra for "complex" forms like self-employment or rental property.
- State returns usually cost about $15, which is a steal compared to the $60+ others charge.
If you really want to pay $0 for both State and Federal, you have to access them through the IRS.gov Free File website. If you go directly to their homepage, they might charge for state. If you go through the IRS portal, it’s often completely free for both, provided you meet the income requirements.
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The Local Option: VITA
Maybe you don’t trust your own math. Maybe the thought of clicking "Submit" on a federal document gives you hives. I get it. For people who want a human being to look at their documents, there is VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance).
This is a federal program that’s been around for over 50 years. They use IRS-certified volunteers to prepare taxes for:
- People who generally make $64,000 or less.
- Persons with disabilities.
- Limited English-speaking taxpayers.
You can find VITA sites in libraries, community centers, and malls. You walk in with your papers, and a real human does the work for you. It’s the ultimate answer for where to do taxes free if you hate screens. The only downside is the wait. These sites get packed in February and April.
What About "Big Tax" (TurboTax and H&R Block)?
Look, they aren't all bad. They have the slickest interfaces. If you have a very simple W-2 and no dependents, their free versions are fine. But they are notorious for "upsell fatigue."
In 2022, Intuit (the maker of TurboTax) was ordered to pay $141 million in restitution because they allegedly tricked millions of low-income users into paying for "free" services. They are back in the Free File program now, but they are under a lot of scrutiny. If you use them, watch every checkbox. If they ask you if you want "audit defense" or "pro review," say no. Those are the hooks.
Don't Forget the AARP
You don't actually have to be a member of the AARP to use their Tax-Aide program. And you don't have to be a senior citizen. While they focus on taxpayers who are over 50 or have low-to-moderate income, their volunteers are incredibly well-trained. They handle things that some VITA sites won't touch, like small business income or complex capital gains.
Technical Nuances You Should Know
The definition of "free" often hinges on your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI). This isn't the total amount on your paychecks. It’s your income after certain "above-the-line" deductions like student loan interest or IRA contributions.
If your AGI is $79,000 or less, use the IRS Free File lookup tool. It asks you a few questions and then spits out which companies will give you the most for free. Some offer free state filing, some don't.
- Check for State Filing: Some "free" offers are federal-only. If you live in a state with no income tax (like Florida, Texas, or Nevada), this doesn't matter. If you live in Oregon or New York, a "free" federal return that charges $50 for state isn't really free.
- Avoid the "Refund Advance": Nothing is free. If a tax prep place offers you money today, they are taking a cut of your refund in interest or fees. Just wait the 7-21 days for the IRS to deposit the money.
- Save Your PDF: Once you file for free, download the PDF immediately. Some sites will charge you $20 to "access your return" six months later when you’re trying to apply for a mortgage.
Real-World Examples
Take "Sarah," a freelance graphic designer. Last year she went to a major brand's site. Because she had a 1099, they told her she needed the "Self-Employed" package. Total cost: $120.
Instead, she went to the IRS website, clicked the Free File link for a partner like CloudTax or SUTAX, and filed the exact same forms for $0. The software wasn't as "pretty," but the math was identical.
Then there’s "Marcus," who works two jobs and makes $45,000. He went to a local VITA site at his university. A certified volunteer found an Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) he didn't know he qualified for. He walked out with a $2,000 refund and paid $0 in fees.
Actionable Steps to Take Right Now
Stop searching for "free tax filing" on Google. The top results are almost always paid ads from companies that want to upsell you. Instead, follow this sequence:
- Check IRS Direct File first. See if your state is participating this year and if your tax situation is supported. It is the cleanest experience available.
- Use the IRS Free File Lookup Tool. If Direct File doesn't work for you, go to IRS.gov/freefile. This is the only way to guarantee you are getting the version of the software that doesn't have the "hidden" paywalls.
- Gather your documents before you start. You’ll need your W-2s, 1099s, and last year’s AGI (found on your 2024 tax return). Having these ready prevents the session from timing out.
- Look for the "State" catch. If you find a provider through Free File, double-check that they offer free state filing for your specific state.
- Decline the "Extras." You do not need "Audit Protection." You do not need "Refund Transfer" (which is where they take their fee out of your refund). You do not need a "Premium" interface.
The system is designed to be complicated so that you’ll pay for convenience. But if you know where to do taxes free, you realize that the "convenience" of the paid versions is mostly just better graphic design. The forms are the same. The refund amount is the same. The only difference is the balance in your bank account when you're done.