The IRS’s Free File program is open again this tax season, marking its 23rd year as a free, online tax preparation option for millions of Americans.

In some cases, Direct File may be able to transfer already-entered data to the state’s tax filing tool. According to the IRS, most tax refunds are issued in less than 21 days.

The vast majority of individual returns are filed online — even if you walk into a tax preparation service and watch them fill out your forms on paper. Your actual return — and your refund ...

The free forms became available for completing 2024 tax returns on Jan. 27, the first day of the 2025 tax season and the date the IRS began accepting tax returns for 2024.