Free File
U.S. Department of the Treasury
What is Free File?
Available exclusively at IRS.gov, IRS Free File makes doing your federal taxes less taxing, using guided tax preparation or Free File Fillable Forms that do the hard work for you. This online tax preparation service lets you prepare your own tax return and e-file it for free. Guided tax preparation helps you find the tax breaks you are due and help you meet your health care reporting requirements. Some IRS Free File providers also offer free state return preparation.
When you electronically prepare and file using IRS Free File software or fillable forms, your tax return is sent to the IRS using the latest in encryption technology. You also get an acknowledgement that the IRS has accepted your return. You can print your return for free. Using both e-file and direct deposit is the fastest way to receive a refund.
Administration
Free File is administered by U.S. Department of the Treasury.
Program Requirements
All you need is a computer and an email address to get started withIRS Free File. IRS Free File must be accessed through the IRS.gov. IRS Free File providers offer a free federal tax return and some offer free state return. You must qualify to use the guided IRS Free File software. To determine which offer(s) you qualify for, use the IRS Free File Online Lookup Tool.
The second IRS Free File option is Free File Fillable Forms, the electronic version of IRS paper forms. If you are comfortable using a paper return this is the product for you. It provides only federal tax return preparation.
Free extensions to file, regardless of income, are offered through both the guided tax preparation and the Free File Fillable Forms options.
Application Details
What is the application process for Free File?
No application is needed to use this program. For more information about this program, visit IRS.gov/Free File.
IRS Free File is now being offered in select volunteer tax assistance sites nationwide.