No IRS Direct File in 2026: Here are the free ways to file your taxes now
The IRS’ Direct File program — a free, government-run tool that let eligible taxpayers file federal returns directly with the agency — will not be available in the 2026 filing season, pushing filers toward other free options as preparations for tax season ramp up. https://m.economictimes.com/news/international/us/taxpayers-lose-free-irs-tax-filing-service-as-trump-administration-scraps-biden-initiative-what-to-know/articleshow/126373776.cms The change lands in early January, when households start gathering W-2s and other tax forms and checking whether they can avoid paying for software or a preparer. The IRS has urged taxpayers to “Get Ready” ahead of the 2026 filing season. https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/what-taxpayers-can-do-to-get-ready-for-the-2026-tax-filing-season https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/2026/01/05/when-will-2026-tax-season-start-how-to-file-your-2025-taxes-for-free/88028548007/