(CNN) — When it comes to their federal income tax returns, tens of millions of US households pay for tax preparation and filing. Yet many might qualify to do so for free through IRS-approved programs.

Before you get too down about tax season, here’s some good news: for many Americans, filing this year will be easier – and cheaper – than ever.

In 2025, nearly 300,000 Americans used a new electronic system to file their taxes directly with the IRS for free. In 2026, ...

When it comes to their federal income tax returns, tens of millions of U.S. households pay for tax preparation and filing. Yet many might qualify to do so for free through IRS-approved programs.So why ...

(NEXSTAR) – While many people will have to wait until Jan. 26 to file their taxes, taxpayers who qualify for the IRS Free File program can already submit their federal returns, the agency said in a ...

(NEXSTAR) – A free way to file taxes directly with the IRS has been eliminated, leaving Americans with one less way to file in 2026. While nearly 300,000 taxpayers used IRS Direct File last year, the ...