How to File Your Basic Federal Tax Return for Free

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TaxAct
TaxAct

Updated for tax year 2024.

We get it, filing your taxes is a chore you’d rather not do. That’s why TaxAct® makes the tax prep process as seamless and easy as possible for taxpayers. You don’t have to be a tax professional to file your own taxes with us — TaxAct walks you through everything step-by-step. And did we mention you can file your basic federal tax return with us for free1 if you qualify this tax season?

Free federal filing FAQs

The bottom line

TaxAct makes free online tax preparation easy when you file your basic federal tax return with us. We’ll guide you step-by-step through filing your individual return for free if you meet certain eligibility requirements based on your income and deductions.

Ready to file? Let’s get started.

This article is for informational purposes only and not legal or financial advice.
All TaxAct offers, products and services are subject to applicable terms and conditions.
1 Not everyone has a basic return. Find out if you have a basic return and more about what this year’s Free Edition includes. For all other online products, you can start free and pay only when you file. This means you will not be charged if you decide to stop using any product prior to printing or e-filing.
You can file for free yourself with TaxAct’s Free Edition if you meet the qualifications below, including filing using IRS Form 1040 only without having to attach any forms or schedules. Only certain taxpayers are eligible.
Situations covered (assuming no added tax complexity):
  • W-2 income, Unemployment income, Retirement income
  • Earned Income Tax , Child Tax Credit
  • Current Students
  • Student loan interest
Situations not covered:
  • Investment income: Stock, interest, dividends, crypto, or capital gains/losses
  • Sale of home, real estate taxes, mortgage interest, or rental property income
  • Royalty, trusts, and foreign accounts
  • Business and farm income
  • Itemized deductions
  • Adoption credits and child and dependent care
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Freelance, contractor, side hustle, or self-employed income and expenses
About 44% of users qualify.
Tax Experts are available with TaxAct® Xpert Assist®, which encompasses a suite of services designed to provide varying levels of support and assistance for your tax filing needs. These services are available at an additional cost and are subject to limitations and restrictions. Service availability, features, and pricing may vary and are subject to change without notice. For more details, read full terms.
TaxAct can import the data you filed last year with us or your return from PDF files of 1040 returns prepared by many but not all tax prep software solutions.
State filings are an additional charge.
5 Read more about the TaxAct Maximum Refund and $100k Accuracy Guarantees.
6 TaxAct’s Deduction Maximizer guides you step by step through the process of completing your return in a way that helps you uncover additional tax advantages and helps you maximize your deductions by checking dozens of additional deductions we know from experience folks don’t think to look for. Each deduction you claim may reduce the amount of tax you owe, resulting in a lower IRS bill overall.
TaxAct
TaxAct

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