By Chris Pugh
cleveland.com
(TNS)
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service opened IRS Free File on Jan. 9, allowing eligible people to prepare and submit their federal tax returns early. The main IRS filing season begins on Jan. 26 when the agency starts processing tax returns.
More than 70% of U.S. taxpayers are eligible to use IRS Free File, and many find it saves them money compared with paid tax software options.
Taxpayers can begin preparing their taxes now and then have the system electronically file the return once the IRS officially starts accepting them later this month.
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The Free File program works as a partnership between the IRS and several private tax software companies. This year, filers with an adjusted gross income of $89,000 or less in 2025 can use guided, step-by-step tax software products at no cost to prepare and file their federal returns.
If a taxpayer’s income is higher than the Free File program’s income limit, they can still use Free File Fillable Forms starting Jan. 26. These are digital versions of the official IRS paper forms and are available to taxpayers of all income levels who are comfortable preparing their own return using IRS instructions.
Each trusted IRS Free File partner can set its own rules for eligibility. These rules may include income level, age, state residence and even military status. Some companies also offer free state income tax preparation and filing through the program.
People who use IRS Free File can claim important tax credits at no extra fee. These credits include the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and other refundable credits that can reduce the tax owed or increase a refund, even if no taxes are due.
Taxpayers can find the right Free File option by visiting IRS.gov/freefile. Users can choose ‘Explore Free Guided Tax Software,’ then use the Find a Trusted Partner tool to match the best product to their situation or browse all offers to compare options.
The Free File program works on computers, laptops, tablets and smartphones, making it easy for people to work on their taxes from home or on the go.
The trusted companies participating in Free File in 2026 include 1040.com (Drake Software), 1040Now, ezTaxReturn.com, FileYourTaxes.com, Online Taxes, TaxAct, TaxHawk (FreeTaxUSA) and TaxSlayer. Some of these products are even available in Spanish for free.
IRS Free File has been offered for more than two decades as part of a long-standing partnership between the IRS and software providers. It is designed to make filing federal tax returns easier and more affordable for millions of Americans.
Photo credit: PeterPhoto/iStock
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©2026 Advance Local Media LLC. Visit cleveland.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency LLC.
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