Yes, everyone can use FreeTaxUSA to file a federal tax return for free, regardless of income, tax situation, or complexity (e.g., self-employed, investments). However, state tax returns are not always free and cost $15.99, though free state filing is available through the IRS Free File program for those with an AGI under $51,000.
Free federal and state filing
For anyone with an AGI under $51,000. If you don't qualify, your federal return is free and state filing is $15.99.
Free federal return for everyone.
There is no income limit on FreeTaxUSA. See the IRS FreeFile program for limits, not FreeTaxUSA.
TurboTax and FreeTaxUSA are online tax preparation services that can be used by individuals and businesses. TurboTax is more full-featured and has lots of built-in guidance, as well as helpful support delivered by phone or chat. However, some services can be significantly more expensive.
All major tax situations are supported for free
FreeTaxUSA supports over 350 credits and deductions. Our free federal service includes basic, premium, and self-employed tax forms.
At a glance
The minimum income amount to file taxes depends on your filing status and age. For 2025, the minimum income for Single filing status for filers under age 65 is $15,750 . If your income is below that threshold, you generally do not need to file a federal tax return.
The best overall FreeTaxUSA alternative is Intuit ProConnect Tax. Other similar apps like FreeTaxUSA are Intuit Lacerte Tax, CCH ProSystem fx Tax, DualEntry, and Bonsai.
AGI: $89,000 or less. Free federal return covered for qualifying people living in AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NE, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, PA, SC, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, and WV. No free state return.
ezTaxReturn has been an Authorized IRS e-File Provider since 1999.
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.
You must file a federal tax return if your gross income is above a certain threshold, which varies by filing status and age, but for Tax Year 2025 (filed in 2026), common thresholds are around $15,750 for Single filers under 65, $23,625 for Head of Household, and $31,500 for Married Filing Jointly (both under 65), with higher amounts for older individuals; however, filing is often beneficial even below these limits to claim tax credits and refunds, and self-employed individuals generally must file if net earnings are $400 or more.
The benefits of the IRS Free File program. You can obtain a free federal tax return: You choose an IRS Free File company after reviewing their eligibility criteria for a free return. If you qualify and choose a program, it's free to prepare and e-file your federal tax return.
The main cons of FreeTaxUSA are its basic interface requiring more user knowledge, lack of direct document import (manual entry needed), no true "free" option for complex returns (states cost extra, and some features are paid), and limited free support, though paid options exist, making it less ideal for complex situations or those needing hand-holding compared to premium software.
Who qualifies for free federal? Everyone qualifies for free federal taxes! There are no hidden fees, forced upgrades, or income limits. State tax returns are only $15.99.
How can I receive my tax refund? With FreeTaxUSA there are three main options for how you can receive your refund: Direct deposit to your bank account You can deposit the federal refund into as many as three accounts. You can purchase I Bonds with the direct deposit of your refund.
To avoid the 22% tax bracket (or any higher bracket), focus on reducing your taxable income through strategies like maxing out 401(k)s and HSAs, deferring bonuses, tax-loss harvesting, smart charitable giving, and strategic asset location, understanding that higher rates only apply to income within that bracket, not your entire income.
The IRS "10k rule" primarily refers to the requirement for businesses and financial institutions to report cash transactions over $10,000 by filing Form 8300 (for businesses) or a Currency Transaction Report (CTR) (for banks), under the Bank Secrecy Act. This rule helps combat money laundering, tax evasion, and terrorist financing, requiring reporting for single transactions or related transactions totaling over $10,000 in cash within a year, with penalties for non-compliance.