Four ways to file your 2025 taxes for free after IRS ends Direct File

The IRS has ended its Direct File service, but taxpayers still have free filing options as tax season officially begins on Monday, January 26. ZDNET said fewer than 300,000 people used Direct File last year. The primary alternative is IRS Free File, which the outlet says is available to around 70% of taxpayers.

Free File lets you file federal taxes through one of eight approved partners at no cost if your adjusted gross income was $89,000 or less for 2025; you must start tax prep through the IRS Free File page. Free File can cover complex situations, including itemized deductions, though state-return handling varies by partner.

Official IRS volunteer programs include Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE). According to the article, VITA serves people who make $69,000 or less, persons with disabilities and limited English speakers, while TCE focuses on those 60 and older and retirement-related issues.

These services require visiting a physical site—often a community center or library—and availability or appointments differ by location. Two third-party services highlighted are CashApp Taxes and FreeTaxUSA, both supporting scenarios such as W-2s and 1099s; FreeTaxUSA charges $16 for a state return while CashApp includes state filing at no charge.

Key Topics

Politics, Irs, Direct File, Irs Free File, Vita, Tce