The 2025 tax season is officially underway as the Internal Revenue Service began accepting 2024 tax returns Monday. An estimated 140 million returns are expected to be filed this year ahead of the April 15 deadline.

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

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.

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.

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.

IRS Direct File launched last year as a way to file your taxes with the federal tax agency — for free. At the time, there were only 12 participating pilot states. This year, twenty-five states will participate,

The IRS is gearing up to accept tax returns soon, but you don't have to wait to get started. With IRS Free File, you can begin preparing your taxes now and ensure a smooth filing process.