10/5/2021
The Free File program, the IRS’ public-private partnership with tax preparation software industry leaders who provide their products for free, is available through Oct. 15 for those who still need to file their 2020 tax returns.
Free File offers two ways to prepare and file federal income tax online for free:
Traditional IRS Free File has free online tax preparation and filing options on IRS partner sites for people whose adjusted gross income (AGI) is $72,000 or less.
The Free File Fillable Forms option for those whose AGI is more than $72,000 provides electronic federal tax forms that can be filled out and filed online for free. People should know how to prepare their own tax return when using this option.
Use the IRS website to access Free File programs:
Choose "Free File: Do your Federal Taxes for Free” from the homepage.
Select an option based on your income
Follow the links to the website of the Free File provider you choose
People who requested a six-month filing extension should complete their tax returns and file on or before the Oct. 15 deadline. Only current year tax returns can be filed using Free File. The IRS does not allow electronic filing for prior year returns through these self-preparation websites. Prior year returns can only be filed electronically by registered tax preparers for the past two tax years (The IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications lists qualified local preparers); otherwise, returns must be printed, signed and mailed.