If you asked for more time to file your 2025 federal return, you don’t have to pay for tax software to finish the job. The IRS says extension filers can still use IRS Free File right through the summer and up to the final filing deadline of October 15, 2026.
The reminder, posted on the IRS newsroom, points people toward a no-cost way to prepare and submit a return online. Many taxpayers who requested an extension put off filing and assume the free tools have closed for the season. They haven’t.
Filing sooner rather than waiting for October also matters for anyone owed money, because a refund can’t be issued until the return is processed.
What is IRS Free File and who runs it?
IRS Free File is a partnership between the IRS and a group of tax software companies. Through it, eligible taxpayers get access to brand-name tax preparation software at no charge. The IRS coordinates the program, while the participating private companies provide the actual software.
According to the IRS, the guided software walks you through your return, does the math, and lets you file electronically. Filing online generally means fewer errors and faster processing than a paper return.
Who is eligible for IRS Free File?
Eligibility for the guided software depends on your income. The IRS sets an adjusted gross income (AGI) threshold each year for the free guided products.
- Income limit: Taxpayers under the IRS’s stated AGI threshold qualify for the guided, brand-name software at no cost.
- Above the income limit: Anyone can still use Free File Fillable Forms, the electronic version of paper IRS forms, regardless of income.
The exact dollar figure for this year’s income limit isn’t specified in the reminder itself. You can confirm the current threshold and see which companies are taking part directly on the IRS Free File page.
How do I use IRS Free File as an extension filer?
The process starts on the IRS website, not on a third-party site, so you land on the official partner offers.
- Go to the source: Visit the IRS Free File page at irs.gov and choose “Free File.”
- Pick your path: Use guided software if your income is under the limit, or Free File Fillable Forms if it isn’t.
- Choose a provider: Compare the participating companies’ offers, since each sets its own eligibility details.
- Prepare and e-file: Enter your information, let the software calculate your return, and submit it electronically.
Because you access these offers through the IRS portal, you avoid accidentally landing on a paid version of the same software.
When is the deadline for extension filers?
Getting an extension gives you more time to file, but it does not give you more time to pay. That distinction trips up a lot of people every year.
- Final filing deadline: October 15, 2026, for those who requested an extension.
- Payment was still due earlier: Any tax owed was due by the original spring deadline. Interest and penalties can build on unpaid amounts.
So even if you’re not filing until closer to October, paying what you owe as soon as possible limits added charges. If you’re expecting a refund instead, there’s no penalty for filing later, though you won’t get your money until the return is processed.
How much does IRS Free File cost?
Nothing, for eligible filers. That’s the point of the program. The guided software from participating companies is free for taxpayers under the income threshold, and Free File Fillable Forms is free for everyone.
For example, if you asked for an extension, earn under the IRS income limit, and haven’t filed your 2025 return yet, you can still prepare and e-file it this summer without paying for software. If your income is above the limit but you’re comfortable filling in the forms yourself, the fillable version costs nothing either.
Why file before October instead of waiting?
There are a few practical reasons to act now rather than push it to the last week.
- Faster refunds: The IRS can only pay a refund after it processes your return.
- Fewer last-minute problems: Filing early leaves time to fix issues or gather missing documents.
- Less pressure at the deadline: Waiting until mid-October can mean rushing, which raises the chance of mistakes.
The IRS reminder is essentially a nudge: the free tools are available now, so there’s little reason to delay if you’re ready.
To check the current income threshold, browse the list of participating software providers, and start your return, go to the official IRS Free File page on irs.gov. That’s the only place to reach the genuine free offers tied to the program.
