How to File Your 2024 Tax Return for Free

No-cost tax help is available from AARP Foundation and the IRS. See who qualifies.

Daniel Bortz,

AARP

Reviewed by

Roman Corpuz, Assistant National Director at the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide

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En español

Published January 15, 2025

a w two in the shape of a price tag with zero on it

Danielle Del Plato

Tired of paying a fee to file your taxes? Cheer up, because there are plenty of ways to get your taxes done for free. Take a closer look at the options available to qualifying taxpayers at no charge.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide

Let’s start with AARP Foundation Tax-Aide. Since 1968, Tax-Aide has helped more than 80 million taxpayers fill out their returns. All Tax-Aide volunteers are certified by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) every year to make sure they understand all facets of the tax code.

Tax-Aide offers several ways to get your taxes done for free.

In person. Bring your documents, sit down and the volunteer will do your return on site in one visit.
Hybrid service. You arrive at the Tax-Aide location and drop off your documents, which are scanned and stored on a secured portal provided by the IRS. Tax-Aide volunteers fill out your forms. When you come back, you finalize your return and get a paper printout. Alternatively, returns can be finalized online as long as you have internet service.
Drop-off service. Just drop off your tax documents with a Tax-Aide volunteer. Other volunteers will fill out your return and e-file it. You’ll get a printed copy of your tax return when you come back, as well as all your documents.
Virtual visit. Scan your documents and upload them to IRS software. Tax-Aide volunteers will prepare your return and send it to the IRS electronically. You’ll get your documents and your return electronically as well.
Self-assistance. Just need someone to look over as you complete your own tax return? Tax-Aide will do that, too, whether in-person or remotely.
Do it yourself. Use software provided through the Tax-Aide website without an in-person or remote coach.

Naturally, there are some caveats. Tax-Aide service begins in early February. You can find the Tax-Aide location nearest to you with AARP’s handy Tax-Aide Locator tool (up and running around mid-January). The service is available by appointment in most locations, but some have walk-in service, too.

Tax-Aide can prepare most returns, but not all of them. If you have a small business or must pay the Alternative Minimum Tax, you might be better served elsewhere. Although the program is aimed toward older adults with low to moderate income, anyone can use Tax-Aide regardless of age, and you don’t have to be an AARP member. Did we mention that it’s free?

IRS Free File

The IRS has partnerships with eight tax software companies that allow qualifying taxpayers to file federal tax returns, and in some cases state tax returns, online at no charge. In general, Free File is available to those with an adjusted gross income (AGI) of $84,000 or less, depending on the company. The income limits listed below are all for adjusted gross income, which is your gross income minus some deductions, such as student loan interest. This IRS Free File tool can help match you with the right free tax software for your filing needs.

If you have an AGI greater than $84,000, or you like to do your taxes yourself, the IRS offers Free File Fillable Forms, which let you enter your tax information online, do limited tax calculations, print out your file and file electronically for free with the IRS.

In addition to the free fillable forms, the IRS offers Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), aimed at people who make $67,000 or less, have disabilities or have limited ability to speak English. Use the IRS locator to find a VITA site near you.

IRS Direct File

Last year the IRS piloted a free program in 12 states that let eligible taxpayers file federal returns directly to the agency, and it's expanding the service this year. Direct File gives step-by-step guidance, real-time online support from IRS customer service and representatives, and online access by smartphone, laptop, tablet or desktop computer. The tool, offered in English and Spanish, is now available to more than 30 million eligible taxpayers across 25 states.

The 25 states are: Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

Direct File doesn’t help people file their state taxes, but once taxpayers have completed their federal tax return, the Direct File system will automatically direct them to state tools to complete their state tax returns.

Direct File is designed for relatively simple tax returns: To be eligible, you’ll need regular income and a W-2 form, SSA-1099 for Social Security income, a 1099-G for unemployment compensation or a 1099-INT interest income of $1,500 or less. The program can compute the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit, as well as the credit for other dependents.

You can also claim a standard deduction, a deduction for student loan interest, a deduction for a health savings account (HSA) and a deduction for educator expenses. This year, Direct File will also cover taxpayers claiming the Child and Dependent Care Credit, Premium Tax Credit, the Credit for the Elderly and Disabled, and Retirement Savings Contribution Credits. Direct File has no income limits.

You’ll need to verify your identity and sign in securely with an IRS account to use Direct File.

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Former AARP editor John Waggoner contributed to this article.

Daniel Bortz is a personal finance editor at AARP. His work has been published by the New York Times, Washington Post, Consumer Reports, Entrepreneur, Kiplinger, Newsweek, Money and other national publications.