WASHINGTON, Jan. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Taxpayers can get a head start on preparing their 2025 federal tax returns as the IRS Free File program is now available ahead of the official start of the tax filing season, with free filing available at IRS.gov/FreeFile.

The federal tax filing deadline for most Americans is April 15, 2026. State tax deadlines may differ, so check your local government website for updates and extensions. Missing forms or deadlines can result in penalties. Check your income paperwork early.

Tax season is coming soon. Want to file federal taxes for free? IRS Direct File is gone, but there are other options. Know the deadlines, when Tax Day is

CNBC Select has run more than a dozen tax software programs through their paces to find the best in a variety of categories. For more on how we made our selections, see our methodology. Who's this for?

A tiny government website is generating fear, resistance and adoration. That website is IRS Direct File, which was well reviewed but little used in its 2024 debut as a free alternative to online tax prep services like TurboTax. I described Direct File ...

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.