Free Tax Filing Options in 2026 (and Where AI Fits)
Bottom line
IRS Direct File is gone for 2026. IRS Free File covers AGI of $89,000 or less. Cash App Taxes is free for federal and state; FreeTaxUSA is free for federal only.
Not tax advice. Some links may be affiliate links; disclosure.
Government options
- IRS Free File: guided software from private partners for taxpayers with 2025 AGI of $89,000 or less. Each partner sets its own eligibility rules. [1]
- Free File Fillable Forms: electronic IRS forms for any income, best if you are comfortable with IRS instructions. For 2025 returns the IRS said the program would close Oct. 15, 2026, so check IRS.gov for the 2027 season opening. [2]
- IRS Direct File: not available in Filing Season 2026, and no launch date has been set. [3]
Free tiers from software companies
- Cash App Taxes: free federal and state returns. [4]
- FreeTaxUSA: free federal, $15.99 per state. [5]
- TurboTax Free Edition: simple Form 1040 returns only; TurboTax says roughly 37% of taxpayers qualify. [6]
- H&R Block Free Online: simple returns; H&R Block says about 52% of filers qualify. [7]
"Free" tiers often exclude common schedules. Check the eligibility list before you enter data, since upgrading mid-return is how free becomes paid.
Where AI helps on a free return
A free general chatbot can explain what each screen asks, which offsets the lack of paid live help. Follow our privacy checklist first.
Cash App TaxesOfficial site (no affiliate link yet).
Visit Cash App Taxes →Sources
- IRS: Use IRS Free File to file your return at no cost Verified Oct 16, 2026
- IRS: Free File Fillable Forms Verified Oct 16, 2026
- AP News: IRS Direct File won't be available in 2026 Verified Oct 16, 2026
- Cash App Taxes Verified Oct 16, 2026
- FreeTaxUSA: Upfront pricing Verified Oct 16, 2026
- TurboTax: Compare TurboTax Online products Verified Oct 16, 2026
- H&R Block: Online tax filing Verified Oct 16, 2026
FAQ
Is IRS Direct File available?
No. AP reported the IRS told states Direct File would not be available in Filing Season 2026, with no future launch date set.
What is the IRS Free File income limit?
$89,000 adjusted gross income for 2025 returns, according to the IRS.
Keep reading
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