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As of 2026, the IRS has officially ended the free Direct File Tax program.
This tax season, you’ll have one less option to file your tax return. the The IRS has ended its free direct file programwhich allowed taxpayers to override Tax software services And submit the file directly to the Tax Authority. The program aims to reduce registration costs and increase access to free files, according to US Government Accountability Office.
Program Face it Significant political opposition It closed in late 2025. As of January 2026, the program will be up and running Not be available For the current tax season. If you relied on the service before, you’ll need to find a different way to file your 2025 tax return before the April 15, 2026, deadline.
Many tax software, incl TurboTax and H&R blockannounced free filing for individuals with simple tax returns. But as many filers have discovered, tax filing software often comes with hidden fees and requires upgrading to a paid version in many common tax situations.
CNET tested and reviewed seven of the top home tax services, including Free DIY tax software. Here’s more about why Direct File is ending and what your current options are for cheap tax filing services.
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What is IRS Direct File?
IRS Direct File was a free system for filing federal returns during the 2024 and 2025 tax seasons. It was available to taxpayers with simple returns, meaning those with W-2, Social Security, retirement, or unemployment income who claim the standard deduction.
Direct File, which launched as a beta program in 2024, was available in 12 states, offering support in English and Spanish. The service was upgraded and expanded to 25 states in 2025. Although it does not prepare state returns, in some states, users can choose to transfer their federal tax data to state filing tools.
The IRS has estimated that approximately 30 million Americans are eligible to use the Direct File program. Fewer than 300,000 have actually done so, although user satisfaction has been generally positive.
In early November 2025, the IRS sent an email to the 25 states that participated in the program saying that the program would not be available for the upcoming filing season and that no launch date had been set for the future. As of early January, the Direct File website is no longer accessible.
Why did the live file end?
Throughout 2025, the IRS Free Direct File program faced stiff opposition from Republican lawmakers and tax industry groups, both of which had It pressured the Trump administration To finish it. A Report prepared for Congress The US Treasury cited low participation and high costs compared to usage.
“We think the private sector can do a better job,” Treasury Secretary Scott Besent, who is currently acting IRS commissioner, said in November. The report also stated that Direct File duplicates other free tax options, including… Free IRS File.
Previous IRS website https://www.irs.gov/filing/irs-direct-file-for-free says “PAge not found” if you try to access it.
Is the IRS Free File Program Ending Too?
IRS Free File Program – A public-private partnership between the IRS and the Free File Alliance, an alliance of private sector tax preparation services that includes big names like Tax law and TaxSlayer – It will remain open in January 2026.
Launched in 2003, the Free File program allows taxpayers to file their taxes electronically for free through select Free File Alliance partners, provided they meet certain income requirements (see below). Separately from the Free File program, users of all income brackets also have the option to prepare their returns using Free fillable IRS forms.
How can I get a copy of my tax return if I use Direct File?
If you filed your taxes by direct file in the previous year, you can request a copy of your return by submission IRS Form 4506 And pay a $30 fee. You will need to print and mail the form, as there is no option to send it electronically.
Free alternatives to live file
Even though Direct File is gone, you still have several ways to file your taxes for free.
Free IRS filing and free fillable forms
As we mentioned previously, the Free IRS filing software will continue. This program allows you to electronically file your federal taxes using guided software from Free File partners if your adjusted gross income (AGI) does not exceed $84,000. Each partner may have their own additional eligibility restrictions in addition to the general income requirements.
Unlike the “free” levels that many offer directly Popular tax software IRS Free File programs cover even complex tax situations (such as business income or itemized deductions) completely free, as long as you meet the income requirements. In addition to your federal return, you may be able to file your state return for free as well, depending on the partner program and the state in which you reside.
To use Free File, start at Tax Authority websiteselect Tax Software Partners and follow the link to the partner’s website. You will not get the free service if you visit the partner’s website directly.
Free Spanish tax filing is available through our Free File partner EzTaxReturn.com If you live in an eligible state and meet other eligibility requirements.
You can use the free fillable IRS forms regardless of your income. Fillable forms have fewer instructions than guided tax software, and you’ll need to do most of the calculations yourself. Note that you cannot use the free fillable forms to file state taxes.
Free tax software
Many business tax software providers offer a Free version of their softwarealthough it typically covers only a narrow range of tax situations, usually limited to W-2 income and the standard deduction. Depending on the specific software, you may need to upgrade if your tax situation is more complex, and filing state taxes often incurs additional costs.
If you’re worried about being hit with unexpected fees, think about it Cash App Taxes or FreeTaxUSA. Filing federal tax returns is free with both services, no matter how complex the tax filing process. You can also file one state return for free with Cash App Taxes, although you’ll pay $15.99 to file a state return with FreeTaxUSA.
IRS Personal Assistance Programs
The IRS offers two main programs to provide personal tax support to senior and low-income taxpayers.
The Voluntary Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program provides assistance to individuals preparing their own tax returns. The program is designed for individuals with incomes of less than $67,000, as well as people with disabilities or limited English proficiency.
The Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) Program provides tax preparation assistance to individuals age 60 or older. Volunteers in the program focus more on questions about retirement and other issues affecting older adults.
Both programs are administered by the IRS, but operated by volunteers. Sites are often located in neighborhoods or community centers. Find help near you using VITA/TCE locator.