Review · Money
IRS Free File review
The IRS program that links eligible filers to free partner software, plus Free File Fillable Forms.
By the HearSmart research desk · Updated November 12, 2026
- Performance (40%)
- 7.4
- Ease of use (25%)
- 6.8
- Value (35%)
- 9.4
IRS Free File is the government route to a free federal return. It has two parts. Guided tax software is offered by IRS partner companies to filers with adjusted gross income of $95,000 or less, and each partner sets its own rules on income, age and state. Free File Fillable Forms are open at any income level, but you enter the numbers yourself, calculations are limited and there is no state filing. The IRS lists some free state tax preparation and filing among the guided partners, and Spanish preparation is available. The IRS also notes you must start from its site rather than a partner's commercial site to get the Free File offer. As of November 2026 the IRS page says Free File has closed and to check back in January 2027, so this is a plan for next season. It scores lower on ease because you compare partner rules before you start.
Who it is for
filers with AGI of $95,000 or less
Price
Free federal return through partner software for AGI of $95,000 or less.
Guided tax software For $95,000 adjusted gross income (AGI) or less
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 12, 2026.
Key features
- Guided software from IRS partner companies for AGI of $95,000 or less
- Free File Fillable Forms for any income level
- Some free state tax preparation and filing through partners
- Spanish tax preparation and filing available
- Find Your Trusted Partner tool to match you with a partner
Strengths and weaknesses
- Strength: Run by the IRS, with free federal returns through partner software
- Strength: Fillable Forms work for any income level
- Strength: Some partners offer free state returns
- Weakness: IRS Free File has closed for the season and reopens in January 2027
- Weakness: Each partner sets its own eligibility rules
- Weakness: Fillable Forms do no state filing and only limited calculations
Key facts
- Guided software limit: AGI of $95,000 or less
- Fillable Forms: Any income level, no state filing
- State: Free with some partners
- Status: Closed until January 2027
- Languages: English and Spanish options
Where it ranks
IRS Free File is No. 5 in our Best Free Tax Software verdict.
Alternatives we scored
Visit irs.gov · Questions or corrections: editorial@hearsmart.org