E-file: Do your taxes for free

1. Start at IRS.gov/FreeFile — always go through the IRS.gov site to access the IRS Free File tax preparation software. You won’t get IRS Free File if you go directly to a partner’s commercial website.
2. Choose an IRS Free File option (1) Guided tax software or (2) Free File Fillable Forms. Please note: for guided tax, there is an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) threshold to qualify for a free federal tax return.
3. If you select Guided Tax, choose an IRS Free File partner using the (1) “Find your trusted partner” tool or the (2) Browse All page. Each partner sets its own eligibility criteria (income, age, state residency). Once you select a partner, IRS sends you directly to the partner’s website to create an account.
4. If you select Free File Fillable Forms, click the Free File Fillable Forms application to create an account.
5. Prepare and file your federal tax return using the Guided tax software or Free File Fillable Forms.
6. Get confirmation via email when the IRS has accepted your return. If your return is rejected, in most cases you can make the correction(s) and resubmit it electronically before the deadline.

IRS Free File providers offer the most common forms and schedules. For a list of the supported forms and schedules:

• For Guided Tax Software: Free File - Most commonly filed federal forms are available | Internal Revenue Service
• For Fillable Forms: Free File Fillable Forms: Program limitations and available forms | Internal Revenue Service

The term "free" in the IRS Free File program means that eligible taxpayers can prepare and e-file their federal tax returns at no cost using tax preparation software provided by the members of the Free File Alliance. The program also includes the Free File Fillable Forms application, a tax preparation option available to all income levels at no cost.

An IRS Free File Guided Tax provider may charge a fee for (1) state tax return preparation and filing, (2) when the filer does not qualify for a free federal tax return based on the provider’s eligibility criteria, (3) when the filer’s adjusted gross income (AGI) exceeds the Guided Tax program’s AGI threshold for eligibility.

The IRS Free File program is a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) between the IRS and the Free File Alliance, a coalition of tax preparation software companies. IRS Free File partners provide free electronic tax preparation and filing of federal tax returns at no cost to qualifying taxpayers. Some may offer a free state return.

The IRS does not endorse any individual IRS Free File Guided Tax partner.

• Free federal tax return preparation and filing. Some provide a free state tax return; use the (1) “Find your trusted partner” tool or the (2) Browse All page to identify the providers that will provide you with a free federal and/or state tax return.
• No upselling of additional services or hidden fees permitted. Selling of bank products, such as a refund anticipation loan (RAL), audit protection or other services are prohibited.
• No deceptive online practices such as confusing websites or designs used to trick or manipulate users into something they did not intend.
• IRS and Free File Alliance reviews to ensure each software is compliant.
• Calculation guarantees in the guided tax software. Member companies will pay any IRS penalties and/or interest resulting from an error in their software calculations.
• Free customer service
• Active-duty military receive a free federal tax return preparation using any Guided Tax provider when their AGI is within the program’s threshold.

• Collect your income statements, business expenses, evidence to support deductions and credits and other documents you need to file your taxes in one place. This way, you can prepare an accurate return, claim deductions or credits and avoid errors that could delay your refund. You can find a list of documents you may need on the ‘Gather your documents’ page.
• Identify your Prior-Year AGI or Self-Select signature personal identification number (PIN) to verify and sign your electronic tax return. When self-preparing your taxes and filing electronically, you must sign and validate your electronic tax return. To verify and sign your identity, use last year’s AGI or last year’s self-select signature PIN. The 5 digit self-select PIN is any five numbers (except all zeros) that you chose which serves as your electronic signature. If you’ve never filed before, you can create a new self-select PIN or put “$0” as your AGI.

If you do not know last year’s AGI, you can find it by signing into your online account and viewing it in the section on Tax Records. 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.

Please note you can only file your current year tax return using IRS Free File. You cannot process a prior year (aka back taxes, past-due) return using IRS Free File.

For guidance on prior year returns: https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/filing-past-due-tax-returns

An extension request using Form 4868 gives you until Oct. 15 to file your federal tax return. To avoid penalties, file the extension and pay any balance due by the April 15 deadline. The extension is only for filing your return.

You can file a request for extension using Guided Tax Software or Free File Fillable Forms online. 

• You can file an amended return using the same free guided tax software you used for your original return. An increase in your Adjusted Gross Income does not make you ineligible.
• Free File Fillable Forms currently does not have the ability to prepare and file an amended tax return.
• To see if you should file an amended return: answer these questions on the Should I file an amended return? page or visit File an amended return | Internal Revenue Service.

• Individual Online Account (IOLA) provides taxpayers with account information; this includes accessing tax records, making payments, check status of payments and amended returns, payment plan details, copies of notices, and more.
• Where’s My Refund provides the status of your refund. Your refund status will appear around 24 hours after you e-file a current-year return, 3 or 4 days after you e-file a prior-year return, and 4 weeks after you file a paper return.
• Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Assistant determines if you are eligible for the tax credit and estimates the amount of the tax credit which reduces the tax you owe or increases the refund you receive.