Feb 22 2025

FREE TAX FILING SERVICES FOR TAX YEAR 2024

Millions of taxpayers with an uncomplicated financial situation can qualify for free online tax filing. However, be cautious of companies that advertise “free” tax filing, as not everyone may qualify.

You might qualify for free tax filing with one or more of these services:

  • IRS Free File (https://www.irs.gov/filing/irs-free-file-do-your-taxes-for-free) is for taxpayers with an adjusted gross income (AGI) of $84,000 or less. This site can also guide you to the best free filing software for your situation. Remember, some of the suggested websites have a fee for filing a state tax return. If your AGI is over $84,000 you can still use the IRS Free File; you will have to fill out the online forms on your own.
  • H&R Block (https://www.hrblock.com/online-tax-filing/) offers a free online tax filing service for low-to-moderate income taxpayers and students that includes your state tax return. This site is appropriate for taxpayers with W-2 and unemployment  income, parents who claim the Child Tax Credit as well as students and first-time filers. The H&R Block app can also be used for filing online. More complex tax situations will require the Deluxe version costing $35.
  • Cash App Taxes (https://cash.app/taxes) is for anyone filing a simple federal tax return with only one state tax return. No additional charges are involved, which includes audit defense if your return is questioned by the IRS.
  • TurboTax Free Edition (https://turbotax.intuit.com/best-tax-software/why-its-free/) is an option for which over 35 percent of taxpayers are eligible. You must have a simple Form 1040 (no schedules except for Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and Student Loan Interest). Those who contributed to a traditional IRA or HSA won’t qualify for the free version. 
  • TaxSlayer (https://www.taxslayer.com/) is for taxpayers under age 65 with a simple return (no dependents, claim standard deduction) and one state tax return, not claiming a Child Tax Credit and no IRA or HSA contributions, and a maximum taxable income from wages or unemployment of $100,000. Allows deduction of student loan interest and educational expenses, which is especially beneficial for current and former students. Members of the military are eligible for a free return with more complicated situations – tax credits, deductions, self-employment (https://www.taxslayer.com/products/taxslayer-military/)
  • AARP (https://taxaide.aarpfoundation.org/) for taxpayers over age 50 (and active- duty military members) with an AGI under $84,000. Offers in-person and online free tax-filing assistance.
  • FreeTaxUSA (https://www.freetaxusa.com/) is free for those with a simple tax situation but is affordable for complex tax returns ($7.99), and requires a $14.99 fee for each state tax filing. The Deluxe Version includes live chat support.
  • TaxAct (https://www.taxact.com/) is beneficial for tax filers with simple returns. Those with more complex tax situations can upgrade to a Deluxe Package. Filing a state tax return has a $39.99 fee.

Final note: IRS Free File allows you to compare free tax filing options. And, if you are not eligible for a free tax return, FreeTaxUSA and TaxAct offer affordable tax filing options.

For additional information on free tax filing services, go to:

Free-tax-filing-services
Free Filing Handout

Teaching Suggestions

  • Have students talk to others about their experiences when filing federal and state income tax returns.
  • Have students visit the website of one or more of the tax services in the article to obtain additional information related to their personal tax filing situation.

Discussion Questions 

  1. What features of free tax filing websites might be beneficial for your tax situation?
  2. Describe actions a person might take to evaluate the benefits of various free tax filing websites.   

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