The IRS has ended its direct tax program. Here are the best options to deposit for free in 2026

This tax season, you’ll have one less option to file your return. THE The IRS has ended its free Direct File programwhich allowed taxpayers to bypass tax software services and file directly with the IRS. The program was intended to reduce filing costs and increase access to free filing, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office.

The program faced significant political opposition and was discontinued at the end of 2025. Beginning in January 2026, the program will no longer be available for the current tax season. If you previously relied on the service, you will need to find another way to file your 2025 tax return before the April 15, 2026 deadline.

Many tax software programs, including TurboTax And H&R blockannounce the free declaration to individuals with simple tax returns. But as many tax filers have discovered, tax filing software often comes with hidden fees and requires upgrading to a paid version in many common tax situations.

CNET tested and reviewed seven best home tax services, including free DIY tax software. Here’s why Direct File ended and what your current options are for cheap tax filing services.

Don’t miss any of our unbiased technical content and lab reviews. Add CNET as your preferred Google source.

What is IRS Direct File?

IRS Direct File was a free system for filing federal returns during the 2024 and 2025 tax seasons. It was available to taxpayers with simple returns, that is, those with W-2, Social Security, retirement, or unemployment income who claim the standard deduction.

The Direct File program, launched as a pilot in 2024, was available in 12 states, providing support in English and Spanish. The service was upgraded and expanded to 25 states in 2025. Although it did not prepare state returns, in some states users could choose to transfer their federal tax data to state reporting tools.

The IRS estimated that approximately 30 million Americans were eligible to use the Direct File program. Fewer than 300,000 actually did so, although user satisfaction was generally positive.

In early November 2025, the IRS sent an email to the 25 states participating in the program indicating that the program would not be available for the next filing season and that no launch date had been set for the future. Since the beginning of January, the Direct File site is no longer accessible.

Why did Direct File end?

Throughout 2025, the IRS Free Direct File program faced strong opposition from Republican lawmakers and tax industry groups, both of whom had pressed the Trump administration to end it. A report prepared for Congress by the U.S. Department of the Treasury noted low participation and high costs relative to usage.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who is currently acting IRS commissioner, said in November that “we think the private sector can do a better job.” The report also states that Direct File duplicates other free tax options, including IRS Free File.

Is the IRS Free File program also ending?

The IRS Free File program – a public-private partnership between the IRS and the Free File Alliance, a coalition of private-sector tax preparation services that includes big names like TaxAct and TaxSlayer – will still be open in January 2026.

Launched in 2003, the Free File program allows taxpayers to file their taxes for free through select Free File Alliance partners, provided they meet certain income requirements (see below). In addition to the Free File program, users in all income groups also have the option to prepare their returns using free IRS fillable forms.

How do I get a copy of my tax return if I used Direct File?

If you filed your taxes through Direct File in a previous year, you can request a copy of your return by submitting IRS Form 4506 and paying a $30 fee. You will need to print the form and mail it, as it is not possible to submit it electronically.

Free alternatives to Direct File

Despite the end of Direct File, you still have several ways to file your taxes for free.

Free IRS File and Free Fillable Forms

As previously mentioned, the IRS Free File program will continue. This program allows you to file your federal taxes electronically using guided software from Free File partners if your adjusted gross income (AGI) does not exceed $84,000. Each partner may have their own additional eligibility restrictions beyond the general income requirement.

Unlike the “free” levels offered directly by many popular tax software programs, IRS Free File covers even complex tax situations (such as business income or itemized deductions) completely free, provided you meet the income requirements. In addition to your federal return, you may also be able to file your state return for free, depending on the partner program and your state of residence.

To use the Free File program, start at the IRS website, choose a partner tax software, and follow the link to the partner’s website. You won’t get the free service if you go directly through the partner’s website.

Free Spanish tax return is available through Free File partner EzTaxReturn.com if you live in an eligible state and meet other eligibility requirements.

You can use free IRS fillable forms regardless of your income. Fillable forms contain less guidance than guided tax software and you will have to do most of the calculations yourself. Note that you cannot use free fillable forms to file state taxes.

Free tax software

Many commercial tax software providers offer a free version of their software, although it typically covers only a narrow range of tax situations, usually limited to W-2 income and the standard deduction. Depending on the specific software, you may need to upgrade if your tax situation is more complex, and filing state taxes often costs more.

If you’re worried about facing unexpected fees, consider Cash App or FreeTaxUSA taxes. Federal tax filing is free with both services, regardless of the complexity of your return. You can also file a state return for free with Cash App Taxes, but you’ll pay $15.99 to file a state return with FreeTaxUSA.

IRS In-Person Assistance Programs

The IRS offers two major programs to provide in-person tax support to elderly and low-income taxpayers.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program provides assistance to individuals preparing their own tax returns. The program is designed for people with incomes below $67,000, as well as people with disabilities or limited English proficiency.

The Senior Tax Advice (TCE) program provides tax preparation assistance to individuals age 60 and older. Program volunteers focus more on issues related to retirement and other issues that affect older adults.

Both programs are run by the IRS, but they are run by volunteers. Sites are often located in neighborhood or community centers. Find support near you using the VITA/TCE locator.