Show summary Hide summary
Even though the April 15 tax filing deadline has passed, taxpayers who missed it can still file their 2025 federal return at no cost using IRS Free File, which remains available through October 15, 2026. The Internal Revenue Service reminded taxpayers of this opportunity in a June 2 announcement, emphasizing that missing the initial deadline does not prevent access to free filing services.
Quick Facts
- IRS Free File available through October 15, 2026 for taxpayers who missed the April 15 deadline
- $89,000 adjusted gross income (AGI) threshold for free guided tax software; above that, Free File Fillable Forms remain free to all
- More than 109 million taxpayers eligible for free guided tax preparation through IRS partner software companies
- Extension request available through IRS Free File with no income limit, providing until October 15 to file
Who Qualifies for Free Filing
The IRS Free File program offers two main pathways. Taxpayers with adjusted gross income of $89,000 or less can use guided tax preparation software from IRS-vetted partner companies to prepare and file their federal return at no cost. According to the IRS, more than 109 million taxpayers meet this income threshold and qualify for free guided preparation. Those whose income exceeds $89,000 can still file electronically using Free File Fillable Forms, which are available to all income levels at no cost. Some partners also offer free state tax return filing for eligible taxpayers, and one partner provides services in Spanish.
Why File Now Despite Missing the Deadline
The October 15 extension deadline gives taxpayers additional time to claim valuable tax credits and refunds they might otherwise miss. The IRS specifically noted that eligible taxpayers who do not normally file a tax return may still qualify for overlooked credits or refunds. Filing electronically through IRS Free File and choosing direct deposit allows taxpayers to receive refunds faster than paper filing. The program provides step-by-step guidance with built-in error checks to help ensure accurate returns. The IRS emphasized that the free filing service offers a secure, convenient, and user-friendly option for completing taxes from home.
Crypto crashes as investors rotate into AI, IPOs, leaving Bitcoin below $63K
Why Bitcoin is dropping: Investors rotate to AI, IPOs as fresh demand dries up
How to Access IRS Free File Before October 15
Taxpayers can start at IRS.gov/freefile to access either guided tax software or Free File Fillable Forms. The IRS Free File program is a public-private partnership between the IRS and the Free File Alliance, a coalition of tax preparation software companies. Each partner offers customer support and has been vetted by the IRS for security and compliance. Taxpayers should go directly through the IRS website rather than visiting a partner’s commercial site to ensure they receive the free service. Those needing more time can also request an automatic extension through IRS Free File with no income limit, which provides until October 15 to file without penalties—though any taxes owed must still be paid by the April 15 deadline to avoid interest charges.
Sources
- Internal Revenue Service (IRS) — Official news release IR-2026-71 (June 2, 2026) announcing IRS Free File availability for taxpayers who missed the filing deadline, eligibility details, and program benefits
- Internal Revenue Service (IRS) — IRS.gov Free File page providing program details, eligibility criteria, guided software options, and Free File Fillable Forms information
- Internal Revenue Service (IRS) — IRS.gov extension filing page explaining how to request an extension and the October 15 deadline
