Elon Musk creates confusion about IRS’ Direct File but the free tax program is still available

Income restrictions also kick in at $125,000, depending on your filing status. You may be able to file for free online through the IRS Direct File pilot program if you are in one of 12 participating states and have a simple tax return. The 2025 Direct File Program — available starting today — expands eligibility, covering more tax credits and different types of income. The Tax Department estimates that 3.4 million New Yorkers will be able to use Direct File this year. New Yorkers with 2024 wages of up to $200,000, or $250,000 if filing a joint return, may qualify.

Elon Musk creates confusion about IRS’ Direct File — but the free tax program is still available

It’s important to note that IRS Free File is just one of several ways to file your taxes for free. You can see a list of forms and schedules that could https://www.bookstime.com/ be provided by Free File providers on the IRS’ website here. John Egan is a personal finance writer with more than 30 years of experience whose areas of expertise including credit cards, loans, budgeting and debt. His articles have been featured by Investopedia, Newsweek Vault and Bankrate, among others. He is the author of “The Stripped-Down Guide to Content Marketing.”

IRS Direct File

The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always retained earnings check the provider’s website for the most current information. We also offer full audit representation for an additional fee with TurboTax Audit Defense.

• The joint project with the IRS, available starting today, allows taxpayers to file their federal and state taxes online at no cost.
• Those who don’t qualify can still use Free Fillable Forms.
• Taxpayers, including active-duty military, who made $73,000 or less in 2022 will likely find an offer from a Free File provider that matches their needs.
• We’ll help you understand how and find new deductions for your situation.
• Jenn Jones is the banking deputy editor at USA TODAY Blueprint.
• You can file your own federal taxes for free in several ways.

How to File Taxes for Free in 2025

• TurboTax calculations are 100% accurate so your taxes will be done right, guaranteed, or we’ll pay you any IRS penalties.
• IRS Free File lets qualified taxpayers get free tax preparation, free electronic filing and free direct deposit of their federal tax refund, if they’re owed one, using guided tax preparation software.
• Jumpstart your free tax filing with last year’s tax return, snap a photo of your W-2, answer basic questions about your life, and get your maximum refund, guaranteed.
• More information on the Governor’s Affordability Agenda is available online.

Some trusted partners include a free state tax return while others may charge a fee. After selecting one of the IRS File offers, you will leave IRS.gov website. Several organizations, including private tax firms, offer free online tax preparation assistance to taxpayers under certain income limits. Fillable forms are available online on the IRS website, but they are complicated and taxpayers still have to calculate their tax liability. The IRS Free File offers what the tax agency describes as a “simple, no-cost way for taxpayers to claim the full amount of tax benefits for which they’re eligible” — and that extends to tax credits and deductions. Typically (but not always), these packages are well suited for people who only have income from one job and aren’t itemizing deductions on their tax returns.

• We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence.
• MilTax, from the Department of Defense, offers free tax assistance to military service members.
• The IRS Free File program PPP is not a traditional contractual arrangement; this partnership represents a balance of joint responsibility and collaboration that serves the interests of taxpayers and the Federal government.
• Any armed forces, federal reservist and National Guard personnel whose AGI is $84,000 or less are eligible for IRS Free File.
• Eligible taxpayers can file directly with the IRS at no cost.
• Choose TurboTax Live Assisted Basic to get unlimited expert advice as you do your own taxes or TurboTax Live Full Service and let an expert do taxes for you, start to finish.

Free File’s popularity has been steadily rising in recent years. Last tax season saw about 10% growth, with almost a million taxpayers relying on the IRS’ partnership with Free File how to file taxes for the first time at 18 software providers. But, even if your state is included, there’s a slew of restrictions.