Many people can file their federal return for free. Before you pay anyone, including Taxwift, it is worth checking whether a free option fits you.
Free options from the IRS and its partners
- IRS Free File. Guided software from IRS partner companies, free for taxpayers with an adjusted gross income of $95,000 or less (the limit for the 2026 filing season). The IRS publishes the limit for 2026 returns when Free File reopens in January 2027.
- Free File Fillable Forms. Electronic versions of IRS paper forms, with no income limit. You do the math and choose the forms yourself.
- VITA and TCE. IRS-certified volunteers prepare returns for free. VITA generally helps people who make about $70,244 or less, people with disabilities and limited-English speakers; TCE focuses on people 60 and older. Sites may set their own limits.
- Direct File. The IRS did not offer Direct File in the 2026 filing season and has not announced a return date.
The IRS lists the current options at irs.gov/e-file-do-your-taxes-for-free.
What “free” usually means
Free options are free for the federal return in the situations they support. Some charge for a state return, and some don’t support self-employment income, several states or itemized deductions. Read what is included before you start.
When paid help can make sense
Paying someone to prepare your return is a choice, not a requirement. People usually choose it when they:
- don’t want to learn the forms or enter their own return,
- have income from self-employment or more than one source,
- had a change in the year, such as a move or a new business,
- want a person to ask questions to.
Where Taxwift fits
Taxwift is a paid service: a specialist prepares your return and you review it before it is filed. It is not free, and it does not replace the free options above. If you choose it, the price and scope of each package are on the pricing page before you pay.
This guide is general information, not individual tax advice.