The Free File program is designed to help the majority of taxpayers file their federal income tax returns for free through participating software companies. Despite 70% of taxpayers qualifying for Free File, less than 1.9% used the service in fiscal year 2023, according to BW analysis. This marks a significant missed opportunity for roughly 101 million income tax filers. Over the past decade, Free File usage has averaged around 2.3% of filers each year, with a slight dip in 2017. Last tax season, the IRS introduced Direct File as another free tax filing option, which is now available in more states and may impact Free File usage.
The Free File program is a partnership between the IRS and private tax software companies, allowing taxpayers to file their federal returns at no cost if they meet certain income requirements. For the current tax filing season, individuals with an adjusted gross income of $84,000 or less in 2024 qualify for the program. Tax software providers may have additional stipulations, and not all offer state income tax return filing. The IRS Free File search tool can help determine eligibility and direct users to the appropriate software websites.
The newer IRS Direct File program allows taxpayers to file their federal returns directly with the government agency, bypassing private software providers. The program is currently available in 25 states, with income limits varying based on filing status. Direct File is best suited for individuals with simple returns, as it does not support itemized deductions or many IRS forms. It also does not support state filing, directing users to their state’s free filing tool upon completing their federal return.
Taxpayers should be cautious when exploring free filing options, as not all “free” tax software programs are governed by the same rules as Free File and Direct File. To ensure you’re using official programs, access them through IRS.gov. If you don’t qualify for Free File or Direct File, make sure to read the terms of the tax software program you choose to avoid unexpected costs.