The IRS shut down its Direct File tax filing system, leaving taxpayers with one less option to file their returns for free.

The agency still offers a Free File program that works with commercial tax software firms. Some companies also offer free ...

IRS Free File allows more than 100 million people to file taxes at no cost. But only 2% of taxpayers use the service.

Over two dozen states incorporated the free tax software in 2025, but the IRS has decided to discontinue the program. Peter is a writer and editor for the CNET How-To team. He has been covering ...

IRS Free File is a no-cost online service for filers who had an adjusted gross income (AGI) of $89,000 or less in 2025. A ...

Many DIY tax software programs offer free tax filing for basic tax situations. But if your income is complex, most will prompt you to upgrade to a paid version.

Free File is not Direct File, which the IRS has discontinued for the 2026 tax season. This tax season, according to the IRS, eight private-sector partners are offering guided tax software products ...

The 2026 tax season kicks off on Jan. 26 and the best way to make filing less painful and time-consuming is to file online. Nearly 40% of taxpayers used tax software or online services to do their ...

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Lars Peterson joined Investopedia in 2023 as a senior editor of financial product ...