Available exclusively at IRS.gov, Free File makes doing your Federal taxes less taxing, either through brand-name software or fillable forms that do the hard work for you. This online tax preparation service lets you prepare your own tax return and e-file it for free. More than 46 million people have used Free File since the Internal Revenue Service and the nation’s leading tax software providers partnered together 13 years ago. The software helps you find the tax breaks you are due and help you meet your health care reporting requirements. Free File providers also offer state return preparation, some for free as well.

When you file electronically using Free File software or fillable forms, your return is sent to the IRS using the latest in encryption technology. You also get a receipt that the IRS has accepted your return within minutes of filing, and you can print your return for free. Using both e-file and direct deposit is the fastest way to receive a refund.