BestFreeTaxFiling

IRS Direct File Is Gone in 2026: Here Are Your Best Free Alternatives

Program Discontinued

IRS Direct File will not be available for the 2026 filing season. The Trump administration ended the program after it expanded to 25 states in 2025 with a 90% satisfaction rate. Millions of former users need a new free filing option.

IRS Direct File was the first free, government-run tax filing tool available directly from the IRS. It launched as a pilot in 12 states for the 2024 filing season, expanded to 25 states in 2025, processed over $90 million in refunds, and earned a 90% satisfaction rate from users. The program was shut down for 2026 with no future launch date announced.

Direct File Timeline

2024

Pilot Launch

Available in 12 states. Covered simple W-2 returns with standard deduction. Strong initial reception.

2025

Expansion

Expanded to 25 states. Added support for more income types. Processed $90M+ in refunds. 90% user satisfaction rate.

2026

Shut Down

Trump administration confirmed Direct File would not continue. No future launch date announced. Former users redirected to IRS Free File partners.

25 States That Lost Direct File Access

These states had Direct File available in 2025 and now need alternative free filing options:

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

Best Alternatives for Former Direct File Users

Cash App Taxes Best overall replacement

100% free for federal and state filing. Supports all major forms including Schedule C, D, E, itemized deductions, HSA, and crypto. No income limit. The closest experience to what Direct File offered, but from a private company rather than the government.

Best for: Simple returns, self-employed, investors, anyone who wants completely free filing

IRS Free File Partners AGI under $89,000

Eight IRS-approved partners offer free filing if your AGI is $89,000 or less. This is the closest to a government-endorsed free option. Always access through IRS.gov/freefile to get the free version.

Best for: Taxpayers under $89K who want IRS-vetted options

FreeTaxUSA Free federal, $15.99 state

Free federal filing for all income levels with broad form support. State filing costs $15.99. Better interface than most Free File partners and no AGI restriction.

Best for: People who want free federal with professional-grade form support

State Direct-File Portals State returns only

Several states offer their own free filing portals for state returns: California (CalFile), Illinois (MyTax Illinois), Pennsylvania (myPATH), Ohio (I-File), and others. These handle state returns only; you still need a separate tool for federal.

Best for: People who prefer government-run tools and only need state filing help

Related Guides

All Options ComparedMaster comparison tableIRS Free File Guide$89K AGI limit, all 8 partnersCash App Taxes ReviewBest overall Direct File replacementEligibility GuideVITA, TCE, and income-based options

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened to IRS Direct File?
IRS Direct File was a free government-run tax filing tool that launched as a pilot in 12 states for the 2024 filing season and expanded to 25 states in 2025. The Trump administration decided not to continue the program for 2026. No future launch date has been announced. The program had a 90% satisfaction rate and processed over $90 million in refunds.
Will IRS Direct File come back?
There is no official timeline for bringing Direct File back. The decision to shut it down was made by the current administration. It could potentially return under a future administration, but there is no guarantee. For now, taxpayers need to use alternative free filing options.
What is the best replacement for IRS Direct File?
For most former Direct File users, Cash App Taxes is the closest replacement. It is completely free for federal and state, supports all major forms, and has no income limit. If you prefer a more traditional desktop experience, FreeTaxUSA offers free federal filing (state is $15.99). If your AGI is under $89,000, IRS Free File partners are also a strong option.
Can I use my state's direct-file portal instead?
Several states offer their own free filing portals: California (CalFile), Illinois (MyTax Illinois), Pennsylvania (myPATH), Ohio (I-File), Michigan (Treasury Online), and others. These handle your state return, but you still need a separate tool for your federal return. See our state filing guide for your state's options.
I used Direct File in 2025. Is my data still accessible?
If you used Direct File in 2025, you should have received a copy of your return via the IRS. Your prior-year data is available through IRS transcripts at IRS.gov/transcripts. Some third-party tools can import prior-year IRS data to pre-fill your return.