Yes, California provides several free tax filing options, primarily through the Franchise Tax Board’s (FTB) "CalFile" program, which allows for direct, secure e-filing of state returns. Additional free options include the VITA program for eligible individuals and, for both state and federal filing, the MyFreeTaxes website.
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VITA/TCE. The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs offer free tax help to people who generally make $69,000 or less, persons with disabilities, and limited English speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns.
Start at IRS.gov/FreeFile — always go through the IRS.gov site to access the IRS Free File tax preparation software. You won't get IRS Free File if you go directly to a partner's commercial website. Choose an IRS Free File option (1) Guided tax software or (2) Free File Fillable Forms.
For the 2025 tax year (filed in 2026), the primary income limit for using IRS Free File Guided Tax Software is an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $89,000 or less, with specific partners offering free federal filing, while lower-income individuals ($69,000 or less) or those with disabilities/limited English can get in-person help through VITA/TCE programs, or everyone can use Free File Fillable Forms if comfortable doing their own taxes.
Yes, the IRS offers free tax help for seniors through programs like Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE), which focuses on retirement issues, and the IRS Free File program for those with lower incomes, plus volunteer services like AARP Foundation Tax-Aide for those 50+, so seniors have several free options depending on their income and needs, often with in-person or remote support available.
Yes, the IRS still offers free tax filing through its IRS Free File program, which provides guided software for those with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) under a certain threshold (around $89,000 for 2025 income) and allows anyone to use Free File Fillable Forms for more complex returns. Additionally, programs like VITA and Tax Counseling for the Elderly offer free in-person help for eligible individuals.
The $6,000 senior deduction is a temporary federal tax break for individuals 65 and older, introduced by the "One Big Beautiful Bill" (OBBB) for tax years 2025-2028, providing up to $6,000 (or $12,000 for joint filers) as an additional standard deduction, not an extra income exemption, phasing out at higher Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) levels (e.g., above $75k single, $150k joint) and fully phased out at $175k (single) and $250k (joint). It stacks with existing senior deductions and can be claimed by those who itemize or take the standard deduction, reducing taxable income, though it doesn't eliminate taxes on Social Security benefits, notes AARP.
No income restrictions apply. Additional products and services, such as Tax Pro Review and Expert Help Chat, are not available. Learn more about Military OneSource and log-in to access services at Military OneSource.
Intuit announced in 2021 that it was choosing not to renew its participation in IRS Free File, a public-private initiative that allows certain taxpayers to access free guided tax prep.
The due date to file your California state tax return and pay any balance due is April 15, 2026. However, California grants an automatic extension until October 15, 2026 to file your return, although your payment is still due by April 15, 2026. No application is required for an extension to file.
Key Takeaways
If you are at least 65, unmarried, and receive $17,750 or more in nonexempt income in addition to your Social Security benefits, you typically need to file a federal income tax return (tax year 2025).
Yes, seniors in California may qualify for property tax exemptions and a postponement of property taxes. Yes, 65-year-olds do pay property taxes in California, but they may qualify for exemptions and deferments. Seniors over 65 are eligible for an additional standard deduction on their income taxes.
Seniors are not automatically exempt from filing taxes; income thresholds and filing status determine filing requirements. Social Security benefits may be taxable if combined income exceeds specific limits, impacting whether filing is needed.
If you file taxes after the October 15 extension deadline, the IRS will assess penalties and interest, primarily a failure-to-file penalty (5% per month, max 25%), plus a separate failure-to-pay penalty (0.5% per month) and daily interest on the unpaid taxes, though you can request penalty abatement for reasonable cause like natural disasters. The October deadline is for filing, not paying; if you owe, payment was due in April, so you'll likely face both penalties and interest until you file and pay, but you won't be penalized if you're due a refund.
Any armed forces, federal reservist and National Guard personnel whose AGI is $89,000 or less are eligible for IRS Free File. Veterans and retirees are not automatically eligible. You or your spouse must have a 2025 Form W2, Wage and Tax Statement, from a branch of the military services.
Simple tax returns qualify for TurboTax Free Edition