In 2025, over 30 million U.S. taxpayers will be able to file their federal tax returns for free. This is possible through the IRS Direct File system and other free filing initiatives.
As the deadline for filing taxes draws near, the IRS is encouraging taxpayers to use these free services and save themselves from unnecessary software costs and anxiety.
April 15, 2025 – Tax Filing Deadline
It’s the tax filing deadline for the year 2025, and now taxpayers can file their tax returns without spending a dime. There are several free options available to them.
IRS Direct File – A Convenient and Free Option
The IRS has recently released the Direct File system, permitting eligible taxpayers to e-file their tax returns straight with the IRS for free.
Direct File Features:
✔ Available on All Devices: Easily accessible on mobile, tablet and computer.
✔ Simple Process: Step-by-step guidance available.
✔ Available in 25 States: Initially available in 12 states, the system has now expanded to 25 states.
Residents of these states can take advantage of Direct File:
✅ Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Eligibility for Direct File
There are some conditions for using IRS Direct File:
🔹 Residency: Must live in eligible states for the entire year in 2024. 🔹 Income: Only taxpayers with ordinary income can take advantage of this service, such as:
- W-2 wages
- SSA-1099 (Social Security benefits)
- 1099-G (unemployment income)
- 1099-INT (interest income)
- 1099-MISC (for Alaska residents only)
Starting March 5, 2025 the system will also support 1099-R (retirement income) and rollover transactions.
❌ However, taxpayers with income from the gig economy, self-employment, and rental property cannot use this feature.
Other free tax filing options
If a taxpayer is not eligible for IRS Direct File, they still have other free tax filing options available to them:
1. IRS Free File Program
🔸 Eligibility: Those with Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $84,000 or less.
🔸 Benefits: Free tax preparation software is available on the IRS’s Free File Platform.
🔸 Additional Options: Taxpayers at any income level can use Fillable Forms.
2. VITA (Volunteer Tax Assistance) and TCE (Senior Citizen Tax Counseling)
🔹 Eligibility: Low or moderate income taxpayers, seniors, and individuals who do not speak English.
🔹 Benefits: Free assistance by IRS-certified volunteers.
3. MilTax Program
✅ Eligibility: Military personnel and certain former military personnel.
✅ Benefits: Free federal and up to three state tax filings** with no income limits**.
Avoid Tax Fraud!
Every year, cases of fraud increase during tax season. The IRS warns taxpayers to be cautious as fraudsters may pose as IRS officials and demand payments via phone, email or text.
How to stay safe?
✔ Always log in to IRS.gov and check your tax status.
✔ Beware of unsolicited calls, texts or emails – the IRS never reaches out directly.
Important Dates
- 📅 April 15, 2025 – Tax filing deadline.
- 📅 IRS Free File and Direct File – Available to eligible taxpayers.
- 📅 Tax Refund Processing – The average tax refund is over $3,300.
Act Now!
If you are eligible for these free tax filing options, File your return now and avoid unnecessary software fees.
Whether you use Direct File, IRS Free File, or VITA/TCE services, you have more opportunities to make tax filing simple and affordable in 2025.
FAQs
Q1. Who is eligible for IRS Direct File?
Taxpayers who lived and worked in one of the 25 eligible states for the entire 2024 tax year and have simple income types like W-2 wages, Social Security benefits, or unemployment income.
Q2. What is the deadline to file taxes for free in 2025?
The tax filing deadline is April 15, 2025.
Q3. Can self-employed individuals use IRS Direct File?
No, IRS Direct File does not support gig economy or self-employment income at this time.
Q4. What are other free tax filing options besides Direct File?
Eligible taxpayers can use IRS Free File, VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance), TCE (Tax Counseling for the Elderly), and MilTax for free tax filing.
Q5. How can I avoid tax scams?
Verify tax-related information only on IRS.gov, and be cautious of unsolicited calls, texts, or emails claiming to be from the IRS.