Quick Summary ・Filers can alternate between guided and self-guided navigation ・Free federal filing is limited, and state ...

CNBC Select has run more than a dozen tax software programs through their paces to find the best in a variety of categories.

Even though the tax agency's free pilot program is no longer available, there are other free tax filing options this season.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Taxpayers can get a head start on preparing their 2025 federal tax returns as the IRS Free File program is now available ahead of the official start of the tax ...

Several free tax filing options remain available, including IRS Free File, VITA/TCE programs, and services from companies ...

Rumors of the demise of the free IRS tax filing software Direct File have been circulating since Tax Day 2025. On Monday, the IRS officially ended the program, at least for 2026. In a letter to 25 ...

Direct File was launched as a pilot program in 2024. It allowed eligible taxpayers in a limited number of states to file their federal returns directly with the IRS at no cost. The program was ...

Free filing system has some limitations in year two but number of tax forms has increased and automated data input has improved. Danni Santana spent nine years as an editor and business journalist ...