IRS Free File: Do your taxes for free

1. You must begin your filing option at IRS.gov. Going directly to a company’s website will result in not receiving the benefits offered here.
2. Choose an IRS Free File option, guided tax software or Free File Fillable Forms.
3. You will be directed to the IRS partner’s website to create a new account or if you are a previous user, log in to an existing account.
4. Prepare and e-file your federal tax return.
5. Receive an email when the IRS has accepted your return.

IRS Free File Program offers the most commonly filed forms.

The IRS Free File program is a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) between the IRS and the Free File Alliance, a coalition of leading tax preparation software companies. IRS Free File partners are online tax preparation companies that offer what is called the “IRS Free File” program, which provides free electronic tax preparation and filing of federal tax returns at no cost to qualifying taxpayers (some may also offer free state returns). The IRS Free File program PPP is not a traditional contractual arrangement; this partnership represents a balance of joint responsibility and collaboration that serves the interests of taxpayers and the Federal government. The online tax preparation software partners are part of the  Free File Alliance, which coordinates with the IRS to provide free electronic federal tax preparation and filing to you. This non-profit, public-private partnership is dedicated to helping millions of people prepare and file their federal taxes online for free.

The IRS does not endorse any individual partner company.

Personal information you need

• A copy of last year's tax return in order to access your AGI
• Valid Social Security numbers for yourself, your spouse, and any dependent, if applicable

Income and receipts

• Social Security benefits
• Unemployment Compensation
• All receipts pertaining to your small business, if applicable
• Income receipts from rental, real estate, royalties, partnerships, S corporation, trusts

Other income

• W-2s, showing your annual wages from all of your employers
• Form 1099-INT, showing interest paid to you throughout the year
• Form 1099-G, showing any refund, credit or offset of state and local taxes
• Forms 1099-DIV and 1099-R, showing dividends and distributions from retirement and other plans paid to you during the year

ACA filers

• Form 1095-A, Health Insurance Marketplace Statement. For more information see Affordable Care Act (ACA) Tax Provisions.
• Form 8962, Premium Tax Credit

File electronically

• When self-preparing your taxes and filing electronically, you must sign and validate your electronic tax return. To verify your identity, use last year’s AGI or last year’s self-select signature personal identification number (PIN). To sign your electronic tax return, use a 5 digit self-select PIN, any five numbers (except all zeros) that you choose which serves as your electronic signature.
• If you do not know last year’s AGI, have a copy of your prior year tax return, you can find that information by signing into your online account. This is the fastest and easiest way to view your prior year adjusted gross income (AGI) and access your tax records.
• If you are unable to access your online account, you can get a tax return transcript by mail showing your prior year AGI.

Contact information

• To get a notification from the Free File software company that your return was accepted by IRS, you need a valid email address.

Your information is protected from any unauthorized access while it is sent to the IRS. Free File partner companies may not disclose or use tax return information for purposes other than tax return preparation without your informed and voluntary consent. These companies are also subject to the Federal Trade Commission Privacy and Safeguards Rules and IRS e-file regulations.

We do not collect or retain information about you when you use IRS Free File. Our policy prohibits the use of permanent Internet cookies. We sometimes use “temporary” or “session” cookies to make sure you are the correct recipient of information you requested. These are deleted when your Internet visit ends.

Please note you can only file your current year tax return using IRS Free File. You cannot process a prior year return using IRS Free File.

Prior year returns can only be filed electronically by registered tax preparers for the two previous tax years. The IRS does not allow electronic filing for prior year returns through self-preparation websites. You must print, sign, and mail prior year returns. Our Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications can help you find preparers in your area who currently hold professional credentials recognized by the IRS, or who hold an Annual Filing Season Program Record of Completion. You can also check the professional organizations many tax preparers belong to.

• To view your balance owed, payment history or other information from your tax account, create or view your account.

• Get up-to-date information on your refund.

• Always remember to print your return after you successfully file online. If you forget to print your return, you can order a free transcript. Depending on the type of transcript you request, you'll get more or less of the information from your return.

• To change your address on file, refer to the IRS Procedures guidance, How to notify the IRS my address has changed.  

• To change your bank account information on file, refer to the IRS Procedures guidance, What should I do if I entered an incorrect routing or account number for direct deposit of my refund?

• You can use Direct Pay to pay your individual tax bill or estimated tax payment from your checking or savings account for free.

• Anyone can file an extension using IRS Free File, Form 4868, during the open tax filing season using IRS Free File tax software. You still must estimate and pay any tax you owe by the April due date.

• Get a replacement Social Security benefit statement Form SSA-1099 online.
• Don’t have a bank account? To find a bank with an online account that’s right for you, check the FDIC website. If you’re a veteran, find options with the Veterans Benefits Banking Program (VBBP). You can also ask your tax preparer for electronic payment options.

• You can obtain a free federal tax return:  If you are new to IRS Free File, you can choose an IRS Free File company’s Free File offer based on your review of the offer qualifications listed on IRS.gov. If you choose a program and qualify, you will not be charged for preparation and e-filing of a federal tax return. 
• If you used IRS Free File last year, you will receive an email from the same company that you used, welcoming you back to their official IRS Free File services. The email must include a link to the company’s IRS Free File site and explain how to file with it.  If you choose this email link and qualify, you will not be charged for preparation and e-filing of a federal tax return. 
• Fees to file your federal return are prohibited:  No participant in the IRS Free File Program will charge you anything to file your federal tax return if you qualify. You will not be asked to buy any products or services (for example, promotional rebates) in exchange for having your Federal tax return prepared by the Free File program participant. 
• Bank products with fees are not a part of IRS Free File. As part of IRS Free File, you must not be offered bank products that often carry product fees, such as refund transfer products (e.g., refund anticipation loans (RALs)). 
• Free state returns may be available: Some IRS Free File Program partner companies offer free state tax preparation. Others charge a state fee.  Be sure to read each company’s information carefully. 
• Each IRS Free File Company Guarantees the Accuracy of the Return Calculations: Each company lists this guarantee on its Free File website. You can pursue any accuracy concerns directly with the company that prepared your return. 
• You have choices: If you don’t qualify for an IRS Free File offer after visiting a company’s Free File website, you can return to the IRS.gov Free File website to seek a Free File offer that may meet your needs. Each IRS Free File company will provide you information when you don’t qualify, with a link back to the IRS.gov Free File site. 
• Seek help if you need it: If you need help when you are at a company’s IRS Free File site and doing your taxes, you may refer to the company’s free customer service options.
• IRS can help find a free option for you. IRS Free File has an IRS Free File online look-up tool to help you find an offer that best meets your needs.