25 States Offering Free Direct IRS Tax Filing: Is Yours on the List?

Last year, the IRS unveiled its Direct File program. It's a free software that allows users to file their taxes online directly with the IRS. 

Initially launched within 12 states, taxpayers enjoyed its ease-of-use and convenience, and its success prompted the agency to expand the program to 25 states. 

The program will be available to more than 30 million taxpayers during the 2026 tax filing season and is a great way to potentially avoid tax debt. Read on to learn whether or not you’re eligible. 

The Direct File program offers a step-by-step checklist that makes filing taxes a straightforward process. To participate in this program, you must first check your eligibility with the IRS. If eligible, you then need to create an IRS account, verify your identity, and complete all steps to finalize your return.

You can also request assistance from IRS customer support representatives if you have questions when filing.

And, after completing your federal return, you will then be connected to your state’s tax filing tool to complete those directly.

Below, you’ll find the 25 states that participate in the Direct File program:

• 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
• Wyoming

If you live in a state where you can’t take advantage of the Direct File program, there are still several free tax filing options available. More specifically:

• IRS Free File: If your adjusted gross income (AGI) is $84,000 or less during 2025, you can qualify for this program. Taxpayers can choose between one of eight trusted partners, with each filing service offering its own set of criteria.
• Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA): This is another federal program that offers free in-person tax preparations for people with an AGI of $67,000 or less a year, limited disabilities, or English as a second language.
• Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE): Another IRS organization that assists those 60 years of age or older with tax preparation.

Direct File's free federal filing program is a great option for eligible taxpayers to reduce overall tax season costs and avoid foolish mistakes when filing.

Although there are benefits to using a tax professional or paid platform, these services prove filing your taxes doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated.