There's still a way to do your 2025 tax return online for free

The IRS Free File program is up and running for the 2026 tax season — and taxpayers can use the system even before the Internal Revenue Service officially accepts tax returns beginning Jan. 26. Individuals who qualify do not have to pay a dime for the tax software offered through this program, if they go through IRS.gov/freefile and pick one of eight tax software companies that have agreed to provide free software to someone in their situation. Free File is not Direct File, which the IRS has discontinue ...