Tax season is now open, and more taxpayers are eligible to file their taxes for free this year thanks to the expansion of the IRS' new Direct File program alongside its long-standing (but income-capped) Free File partnerships.

Expanded into 25 states for 2025, IRS Direct File allows eligible taxpayers to submit federal returns free of charge.

Free File allows taxpayers who earned below certain thresholds in 2024 to file their taxes electronically for free using brand-name software provided by commercial tax filing companies. Free File Fillable forms are available to any income level and provide free electronic forms that people fill out and file themselves — also at no cost.

The tax season is officially open. Monday, Jan. 27 is the first day you can file your returns. They may not be due until April 15, but getting a head start will get you a quicker refund. Or give you more time to save if you owe the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) some cash.

Filers with Adjusted Gross Income, known as AGI, of less than $84,000 can use IRS Free File to complete returns at no charge. Free File offers tax preparation software from eight companies and gives free online access to preparation and filing software.

Many Illinois residents will be able to use the IRS Direct File service to electronically prepare and file their 2024 federal tax returns for free.