IR-2026-05: Use IRS Free File to conveniently file your return at no cost

IRS Newswire

January 9, 2026

Issue Number: IR-2026-05

Inside This Issue

Use IRS Free File to conveniently file your return at no cost

IR-2026-05, Jan. 9, 2026

WASHINGTON — IRS Free File will begin accepting individual tax returns today, giving eligible taxpayers an early opportunity to prepare and file their federal income tax returns ahead of the official start of the 2026 filing season later this month.

While the filing season begins later this month, IRS Free File Guided Tax Software allows taxpayers to prepare and submit returns now and hold them for electronic filing once the season officially begins.

For 2026, eight private-sector partners are offering guided tax software products through IRS Free File to taxpayers with an Adjusted Gross Income of $89,000 or less in 2025.

Taxpayers with an AGI above $89,000 can use the Free File Fillable Forms, available beginning Jan. 26. These electronic versions of IRS paper forms are ideal for individuals who are comfortable preparing their own taxes using IRS instructions and publications.

Understanding IRS Free File

Each IRS Free File trusted partner sets its own eligibility requirements, which may include age, income, state residency and military status. Taxpayers and active-duty military personnel with an AGI of $89,000 or less in 2025 can find a free federal filing option; some partners also offer free state tax return preparation and filing.

Claim tax credits at no cost

IRS Free File allows eligible taxpayers to claim valuable tax benefits, including the Earned Income Tax Credit, the Child Tax Credit and other refundable credits. Refundable tax credits can reduce the amount of tax owed or result in a refund, even if no tax is due.

How to find the right IRS Free File product

Taxpayers can find the right product by visiting IRS.gov/freefile and:

Select “Explore Free Guided Tax Software”, then select the “Find a Trusted Partner” tool for help in finding the right product, or
Use “Browse All Trusted Partners” to review each offer,
Choose the product that best fits their situation, and
Follow the links to the trusted partner's website to begin their tax return.

IRS Free File works on computers, smart phones or tablets.

2026 IRS Free File participants

The following trusted partners are participating in IRS Free File for 2026:

1040Now
Drake (1040.com)
com (offers English and Spanish)
com
On-Line Taxes
TaxAct
TaxHawk (FreeTaxUSA)
TaxSlayer

IRS Free File helps taxpayers save money and file their taxes quickly and securely. For more information or to get started on a tax return today, visit IRS Free File: Do Your Taxes For Free.

Thank you for subscribing to the IRS Newswire, an IRS e-mail service.

If you know someone who might want to subscribe to this mailing list, please forward this message to them so they can subscribe.

This message was distributed automatically from the mailing list IRS Newswire. Please Do Not Reply To This Message.

Update your subscriptions, modify your password or email address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need your email address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, visit subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com.

This service is provided to you at no charge by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

This email was sent to [email protected] by: Internal Revenue Service (IRS) · Internal Revenue Service · 1111 Constitution Ave. N.W. · Washington, D.C. 20535

News Essentials

The Newsroom Topics

IRS Resources

Issue Number: IR-2026-05

Inside This Issue