Unlock Early Tax Filing: Free Options Available for Eligible Taxpayers

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(NEXSTAR) – Although the official date to begin filing taxes is January 26, individuals eligible for the IRS Free File program can now submit their federal tax returns, according to a recent announcement by the agency.

The program is open to taxpayers with an adjusted gross income (AGI) of $89,000 or less for 2025. If you meet this criterion, you can initiate the filing process through the IRS website.

For those whose AGI exceeds this threshold and who prefer to prepare their own taxes, Free File Fillable Forms—an online version of IRS forms—will be available starting January 26.

Anticipating substantial tax refunds in 2026, officials have outlined that eight private companies will provide guided tax software to qualifying taxpayers at that time. These companies include 1040Now, Drake (1040.com), ezTaxReturn.com (available in English and Spanish), FileYourTaxes.com, On-Line Taxes, TaxAct, TaxHawk (FreeTaxUSA), and TaxSlayer.

The IRS notes that each company “sets its own eligibility requirements, which may include age, income, state residency and military status.” Some also offer free state tax return preparation and filing, according to the IRS.

To use Free File, you’ll need the following documents:

Social Security number or individual tax ID number (ITIN)
Bank account and routing numbers to receive a refund or pay owed taxes
Your AGI and exact refund amount from 2025 return, if filed
Your name as it is listed with the Social Security Administration
Your current address
If you e-filed last year, your self-select PIN
Your IP PIN if you received one from the IRS

Eligible taxpayers can benefit from the program by saving on tax preparation fees and taking advantage of potentially valuable tax credits, the IRS says.

Don’t forget to take advantage of tax credits

Tax credits allow taxpayers to subtract dollar-for-dollar from their income tax bill, but many people miss out simply by failing to claim them.

“The IRS reports every year that one out of five people missed the earned income tax credit and also the retirement saver’s credit,” Greene-Lewis said. “So the earned income tax credit, that is a credit for a family with three kids that can be up to $8,046. So that is a lot of money.”

The enhanced adoption credit provides up to $5,000 for eligible taxpayers.

Others, such as the clean vehicle and home energy credits, expired in 2025 but could still be claimed depending on the timing of the vehicle purchase or home modification.

Tax filing season goes through Wednesday, April 15, according to the IRS.