Saving & Spending Taxes

25 States Offering Free Direct IRS Tax Filing: Is Yours on the List?

Find out which 25 states are offering free direct IRS filing for residents in 2025.

By Will Vitka

Edited by Chris Kissell

Updated May 15, 2025

Last year, the IRS unveiled its Direct File program. It's a free software that allows users to file their taxes online directly with the IRS.

Initially launched within 12 states, taxpayers enjoyed its ease-of-use and convenience, and its success prompted the agency to expand the program to 25 states.

The program will be available to more than 30 million taxpayers during the 2025 tax filing season and is a great way to potentially avoid tax debt. Read on to learn whether or not you’re eligible.

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What is the Direct File program?

The Direct File program offers a step-by-step checklist that makes filing taxes a straightforward process. To participate in this program, you must first check your eligibility with the IRS. If eligible, you then need to create an IRS account, verify your identity, and complete all steps to finalize your return.

You can also request assistance from IRS customer support representatives if you have questions when filing.

And, after completing your federal return, you will then be connected to your state’s tax filing tool to complete those directly.

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Where is Direct File available?

Below, you’ll find the 25 states that participate in the Direct File program:

Alaska
Arizona
California
Connecticut
Florida
Idaho
Illinois
Kansas
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
Oregon
Pennsylvania
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Washington
Wisconsin
Wyoming

Other ways to file taxes for free if your state doesn't participate in Direct File

If you live in a state where you can’t take advantage of the Direct File program, there are still several free tax filing options available. More specifically:

IRS Free File: If your adjusted gross income (AGI) is $84,000 or less during 2024, you can qualify for this program. Taxpayers can choose between one of eight trusted partners, with each filing service offering its own set of criteria.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA): This is another federal program that offers free in-person tax preparations for people with an AGI of $67,000 or less a year, limited disabilities, or English as a second language.
Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE): Another IRS organization that assists those 60 years of age or older with tax preparation.

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Bottom line

Direct File's free federal filing program is a great option for eligible taxpayers to reduce overall tax season costs and avoid foolish mistakes when filing.

Although there are benefits to using a tax professional or paid platform, these services prove filing your taxes doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated.

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Will Vitka

Will Vitka, a writer for FinanceBuzz, is also a D.C. area reporter and writer. He previously worked for WTOP, The New York Post, Stuff Magazine, and CBS News.

If you’re over 50, take advantage of massive discounts and financial resources

What is the Direct File program?

Where is Direct File available?

Other ways to file taxes for free if your state doesn't participate in Direct File

Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt

Bottom line

Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Current Offer

Annual Fee

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Benefits

Drawbacks

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