Core Insights - The IRS is now accepting 2025 tax returns, with options for free online filing available despite the discontinuation of the IRS Direct File program for the 2026 tax season [1][10] - Taxpayers can significantly reduce the time and cost associated with filing taxes by utilizing free IRS tax filing and preparation assistance [2] IRS Free File - Taxpayers with an adjusted gross income of $89,000 or less in 2025 can access free tax preparation software through IRS-trusted companies, which may also offer free state tax preparation [3][10] - There are eight trusted partners providing free tax preparation software, each with specific eligibility requirements based on income, age, location, and military status [4] IRS Free File Fillable Forms - The IRS Free File Fillable Forms are available for taxpayers who prefer to prepare and file their own returns electronically, regardless of income level [5] MilTax - MilTax offers a free electronic filing service for active or recently active military members and their immediate family members [6] Private Filing Companies - Some private tax preparation companies, such as TurboTax and H&R Block, provide free federal tax filing options for eligible taxpayers, particularly for simple returns [7] Volunteer Income Tax Assistance - The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program offers free tax help for taxpayers making $69,000 or less, those with disabilities, or individuals with limited English-speaking abilities [9] Tax Counseling for the Elderly - This program assists taxpayers aged 60 and older, focusing on tax preparation questions related to pensions and retirement issues [11]

Core Points - The Trump administration has ended the IRS Direct File program, which was designed to simplify tax filing for Americans and save costs [1][4] - Critics argue that Direct File was costly to develop and had low participation rates, with only 296,531 returns filed in its second year, representing less than 0.5% of total returns [4][5] - Former Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen estimated that the average American taxpayer spent $270 and 13 hours filing their tax return [2] Group 1: Direct File Program Overview - Direct File was launched as a pilot in 2023 for 12 states and expanded to 25 states in 2024 [1] - The program cost taxpayers at least $41 million, or approximately $138 per return, which critics claim understates the true costs [5] - Participation in Direct File was the lowest among free tax preparation programs, with just under 141,000 returns filed in the pilot year [4] Group 2: Alternatives to Direct File - Americans will need to use paper returns or other software options, with low-cost software providers available [7] - Free options include IRS Free File, which offers free tax preparation software for eligible taxpayers with an AGI of $84,000 or less [8] - Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and AARP Foundation's Tax-Aide provide free tax help, assisting nearly 1.7 million taxpayers in 2024 [8]

Core Insights - The IRS Direct File option for free tax filing will no longer be available starting January 2026, but several alternatives for free tax filing remain available [1] Group 1: Free Tax Filing Options - IRS Free File is available for taxpayers with an adjusted gross income (AGI) of $84,000 or less, providing access to free tax preparation software through the Free File Alliance [3][17] - Free versions of popular tax software like H&R Block, TurboTax, TaxSlayer, and TaxAct are available, typically best for straightforward tax situations [5] - Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) offers free tax preparation for low- and moderate-income taxpayers, with eligibility requirements including an income of $67,000 or less [6][7] - Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) provides free tax preparation services to older taxpayers, primarily those aged 60 and above, focusing on simple tax returns [9][10] - MilTax offers free tax filing for military members and veterans, with no income limits and specialized support for military-related tax issues [10][11] Group 2: Limitations and Additional Information - The IRS previously offered free, fillable forms online, but these are no longer available for electronic filing [12] - Some free filing options may involve additional fees for state tax returns [12] - Taxpayers must still file a federal tax return even if they have paid estimated or self-employment taxes quarterly [14]