How to make your taxes free: Oregonians have more filing options in 2025

On By Littum

Oregonians have several options for free online tax preparation for the filing season 2025.

Some may qualify for the IRS Free File Program, a partnership with online tax preparation companies offering the use of their software free to low or moderate income files.

And Oregonia at all income levels can use the IRS ‘own free software, IRS Direct file, for the first time this year – but it can’t handle any ordinary tax situations.

Here’s a look at your options:

IRS FREE file

The original free tax manufacture program from IRS is actually a partnership with the Free File Alliance, a group of tax preparation companies that offer their programs at no cost under certain conditions.

The program originated in an event with the IRS, which agreed not to create its own tax software. It has since done exactly it (more about it in one minute). But there are still eight participating providers who promise free filing without sales along the way.

This year offers are available for filers with an adjusted gross income of up to $ 84,000.

Not all free tax preparation offers are part of this program. To avoid a price increase when things get complicated, start on the IRS website: Irs.gov/fefile.

IRS direct file

Last year, the IRS tested its own tax preparation program in a handful of states. This year it will be expanded to 25, including Oregon.

IRS Direct file has no income limit. The Agency already has W-2 wages and detention forms filed by employers, so in many cases it can import your income to you.

However, there are limitations. You can’t use it if you have:

  • Received cash tips or maintenance not reported on a tax form.
  • Worked as a contractor or gig worker with income reported on a form 1099-NEC.
  • Received distributions from a pension plan or if you have contributed to an individual pension account or IRA.

Check your eligibility and start a return at Directfile.irs.gov.

What about the free versions of H&R Block, TurboTax and other providers?

H&R BLOCK and TURGOTAX, BIGGIES in online tax preparation used to participate in the IRS Free File program but both have fallen out.

They continue to offer free versions of their online tax preparation software, but only to taxpayers with the simplest returns – those without specified deductions, student loan interests, health savings accounts or stock sales.

The IRS free file programs, on the other hand, cover virtually all tax situations as long as the filer meets the eligibility restrictions.

The free version offered by taxable companies may well give you a free return and a smooth experience. But if your return takes a trip to the more complicated, don’t be surprised when asked to pay.

And some – like Freetaxusa and Taxact – offer a free level for federal returns, but a charge for state returns.

Don’t forget Oregon State -Taxes

Before deciding how to archive your federal return, be sure to consider Oregon cat -taxing.

At least four tax preparation companies participating in the IRS Free File program also offer free filing of the tax return of Oregon for those who qualify.

The IRS Direct File Program is linked to Oregon’s own direct file program to facilitate a relatively painless state return – if you have submitted in Oregon for the past three years.

And Oregon Direct File program is free of charge without income restrictions. It does not support certain kinds of files, including those who lived outside Oregon for at least part of the year or non-resident that submits a form of 1040 no for their federal taxes.

Free Tax Aid in Oregon

Several non -profit organizations offer free tax preparation in Oregon.

Aarp-Tax-Aide

The Aarp Foundation’s free tax preparation assistance is focused on seniors with low to moderate income, but offered someone. Find a location at Taxiide.Aarpfoundation.org or call 888-227-7669.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (Vita)

This IRS program is open to people earning $ 67,000 or less who have a disability or who speaks limited English. Find locations on irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep.

MFS Cash Oregon

This Oregon Tax Prep Assistance Program, part of NonProfit-Metropolitan Family Service, offers personal help in Portland and Eugene and virtual help to Oregonian elsewhere. It is open to families and individuals earning $ 67,000 a year or less. Make an appointment at cashoregon.org or call 503-243-7765.

MyFreetaxes

This service from United Way offers tax preparation assistance to files earning less than $ 84,000 or will prepare returns for files earning less than $ 67,000. Get started well at Myfreetaxes.com or call 866-698-9435.

– Elliot Njus edits business and economy – news for Oregonian/Oregonlive. He can be reached at [email protected].