The Internal Revenue Service announced it would be accepting tax returns from eligible taxpayers for the 2026 filing season at no cost

The Internal Revenue Service is giving a quiet head start to millions of taxpayers this year, effectively opening a back door to file before the official start of tax season. Anyone who earned $89,000 or less in 2025 can use the agency's Free File system to submit a return early,

IRS Direct File, which was offered in 25 states last year, has been discontinued. But one very-much underused, free program remains for 2026.

A segment of taxpayers can already submit their returns, while everyone else must wait until Jan. 26.

The IRS is suspending the Direct File program, a free guided tax software for taxpayers in 25 states, for the upcoming filing season. Other free federal tax preparation programs will still be available during the 2026 tax filing season for many taxpayers.

While the IRS Direct File program has been shut down, there are still ways to file your taxes for free. Here's what to know.

The program lets U.S. taxpayers prepare and hold returns for electronic filing once tax season officially begins.

The IRS is suspending the Direct File program, a free guided tax software for taxpayers in 25 states, for the upcoming filing season. Other free federal tax preparation programs will still be available during the 2026 tax filing season for many taxpayers.

The Treasury Department ended the IRS’s Direct File program in November 2025, a move announced by Treasury Secretary and IRS Commissioner Scott Bessent, who said other options would serve taxpayers better.

In 2025, nearly 300,000 Americans used a new electronic system to file their taxes directly with the IRS for free. In 2026, that's no longer an option.