IRS Free File is LIVE! Here’s How to Get Your 2026 Refund for $0

The wait is over! As of today, January 9, 2026, the IRS Free File system is officially open for business. While the IRS won’t start processing returns until the general tax season opens on January 26, using Free File now lets you get your return finished, polished, and at the front of the line the moment the gates open.

With the massive changes from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA)—like the “No Tax on Overtime” and “No Tax on Tips” rules—this year’s filing is more important than ever.

Here is everything you need to know about using IRS Free File in 2026.

Who Qualifies for Free File in 2026?

The IRS has updated the income limits for the 2025 tax year (the taxes you are filing now).

• Income Limit: If your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) was $84,000 or less, you qualify for Guided Tax Software.
• Anyone Else: If you make more than $84,000, you can still use Free File Fillable Forms (available Jan 26), which are digital versions of paper forms but without the “guided” help.
• Special Groups: Active-duty military with an AGI of $84,000 or less can also use any participating software for free.

What’s New on the 2026 Free File Forms?

The software partners have updated their systems to include the new Schedule 1-A. This is where the magic happens this year! You’ll want to look for:

• No Tax on Overtime: Ensure your software is correctly excluding your overtime pay from your taxable income.
• No Tax on Tips: Service workers can now exclude their first $25,000 in tips.
• Car Loan Interest: For the first time, many taxpayers can deduct interest on their primary vehicle.
• Enhanced Senior Deduction: If you are 65 or older, there is an additional $6,000 deduction ($12,000 for couples) that Free File will automatically calculate for you.

Important: Direct File is CLOSED

You may have heard about IRS Direct File (the government-run system used in 2024/2025).

Note: Under the new administration and the OBBBA provisions, Direct File has been discontinued for 2026. You must use the “Free File” partners (like TaxSlayer, ezTaxReturn, or FreeTaxUSA) through the official IRS.gov portal to file for free.

Why You Should File TODAY (Jan 9)

Even though the IRS doesn’t “start” until Jan 26, filing through Free File today gives you three major advantages:

1. The “Front of the Line” Effect: Software providers “hold” your return and transmit it the millisecond the IRS systems go live. This usually results in the earliest possible Direct Deposit Date (DDD).
2. Beat the Scammers: Filing early is the #1 way to prevent identity thieves from filing a fake return in your name.
3. Refund Planning: You’ll know exactly how much you’re getting, so you can plan for that mid-February “Refund Windfall.”

How to Get Started

To ensure it’s actually FREE, you must start at the official IRS website. If you go directly to a software site, they might try to charge you!

1. Go to IRS.gov/FreeFile.
2. Click “Explore Free File Software.”
3. Use the “Lookup Tool” to find the best match for your state and income.
4. Gather your W-2s, 1099s, and a copy of your 2024 Tax Return (you’ll need your prior-year AGI to sign the return).

Are you filing today or waiting for more forms to arrive in the mail? Let us know in the comments