IRS Expands Free Tax Prep Options for 2026 Filing Season

The IRS is expanding access to free federal and state tax preparation and filing this 2026 tax season through multiple programs, including the suspension of Direct File due to pilot costs. Research indicates tax complexity drives many to use intermediaries, but about 85.4 million 2024 returns were prepared by professionals and 61.7 million by commercial software, of which 26 million were free. Free File is available to filers with an AGI of $89,000 or less and standard forms. For 2024, 400,000 returns used Free File Fillable Forms. Voluntary Income Tax Assistance (VITA) serves income-eligible filers and about 67 million were eligible in 2024 but only 1.6 million filed; Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) serves those 60 and older, with 22 million eligible and 1.2 million filed. Military personnel, qualifying veterans, and their families may use MilTax, which handles unique military circumstances such as combat pay and multiple moves. These programs aim to reduce barriers to accurate, free tax filing for eligible taxpayers.