WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Internal Revenue Service recently announced that the IRS Free File Guided Tax Software became available Friday, Jan. 10 for taxpayers ahead of the official start of tax season later this month.
Starting Jan. 10, the IRS Free File will begin accepting individual tax returns. Millions of taxpayers nationwide can access free software tools offered by trusted IRS Free File partners by visiting IRS.gov.
“The IRS remains committed to its partnership with Free File Inc. to ensure taxpayers have free and secure options for filing their taxes electronically,” said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel. “Taxpayers have multiple filing choices, including trusted tax professionals, tax software, Free File, Direct File or free preparation services through IRS partners. Over the years, Free File has helped millions of taxpayers, providing a fast and simple way to file their returns. This program continues to be a valuable resource for eligible individuals looking to file their taxes for free through this unique program.”
Entering its 23rd filing season, IRS Free File is just one of many free options available to taxpayers for filing their tax returns, whether online or in person. This service is made possible through a public-private partnership between the IRS and Free File Inc. (formerly the Free File Alliance). As part of this partnership, tax preparation and filing software partners offer their online products to eligible taxpayers for free. To access these free tools, taxpayers must start from the IRS Free File page on IRS.gov.
This year, eight private-sector partners will provide online guided tax software products for taxpayers with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $84,000 or less in 2024. Additionally, one partner will offer a product in Spanish.
Although the IRS official tax filing season begins later this month, IRS Free File providers will allow taxpayers to prepare and file returns now and hold them until they can be electronically filed on that date. Many other software companies offer a similar option.
Taxpayers with an AGI above $84,000 can use the Free File Fillable Forms (FFFF) starting Jan. 27. These electronic versions of IRS paper forms are ideal for individuals who are comfortable preparing their own taxes using IRS instructions and publications.