KEY TAKEAWAYS The IRS Direct File program was eliminated for the 2026 tax filing season. However, several free tax preparation software options are available for those with 2025 income of $89,000 or less and for active military members. If you're looking to file your 2025 tax returns online for free, you may have some options. This tax filing season, IRS Direct File—the free tax-filing software that allowed taxpayers in 25 states to file directly online with the IRS regardless of income—was disco ...