The program provides free, brand-name tax software and free electronic filing to taxpayers who earned $66,000 or less last year, with some software providers offering both free federal and free state tax preparation. Active duty military personnel, who meet the income requirements, can use Free File software without regard to other criteria.

Taxpayer can visit www.irs.gov/freefile to select products they might use. Each of the 12 software companies participating sets its own eligibility standards, generally based on age, income or state residency. Returns can be completed online from IRS.gov or they can use the IRS2Go mobile app to access Free File and do their taxes on their mobile phones, tablets or any app-enabled device. 

Free File will be available January 11 through the mid-October deadline for extension filers. Taxpayers, regardless of income, can use Free File to file an extension from the April 15 deadline