IRS Extends Free File Program Through 2029

The Free File program, a partnership between the IRS and tax preparation companies that make their online filing software available to eligible taxpayers for free, has been extended through 2029, the tax agency said on May 22.

The five-year extension agreement between the IRS and Free File Inc. will continue the program through October 2029.

This year, Free File saw an increase of about 200,000 tax returns filed through the program, reaching 2.9 million returns as of May 11, according to the IRS, an increase of 7.3% from the 2.7 million filed through the same period last year.

“Free File remains an important part of the IRS portfolio to help taxpayers file their taxes for free,” IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel said in a statement. “We were pleased to see growth in the program this year, and we look forward to continuing this important collaboration with the tax software industry. Free File was part of a successful filing season at the IRS that saw increased interest in a range of free programs to help taxpayers.”

Under the program, eight private-sector Free File partners provide online guided tax software products to any taxpayer with an adjusted gross income (AGI) of $79,000 or less in 2023. In addition, those with an AGI over $79,000 can use the IRS’s Free File Fillable Forms.

For 2024, partners participating in IRS Free File are:

1040Now
Drake (1040.com)
ezTaxReturn.com
FileYourTaxes.com
On-Line Taxes
TaxAct
TaxHawk (FreeTaxUSA)
TaxSlayer

Now in its 22nd filing season, Free File will be available for taxpayers through the Oct. 15 extension deadline for 2023 tax returns.

“Free File has been an important partner with the IRS for more than two decades and helped tens of millions of taxpayers. This extension will continue that relationship into the future,” said Ken Corbin, chief of IRS Taxpayer Services. “This multiyear agreement will also provide certainty for private-sector partners to help with their future Free File planning.”