It's that dreaded time of year again when income tax returns must be prepared, with the traditional April 15 filing deadline, but the good new is there's help available and for most people, it's free.

It costs Americans an average of about $290 to file a tax return, according to the National Taxpayers Union. Thankfully, most major tax software companies offer a free tier, so you don't have to pay ...

Many tax-software companies have free tiers, but most only accept federal returns and a limited number of schedules. Through ...

Free File is not Direct File, which the IRS has discontinued for the 2026 tax season. This tax season, according to the IRS, eight private-sector partners are offering guided tax software products ...

Many DIY tax software programs offer free tax filing for basic tax situations. But if your income is complex, most will prompt you to upgrade to a paid version. Dawn Allcot is a full-time freelance ...

Believe it or not, it's possible to prepare and file your income taxes without spending a dime. We've reviewed the leading online tax services to help you find the top free options. I write about ...