I Asked ChatGPT How To Do My Taxes for Free in 2026 — Here’s Exactly How
Written by
Laura Beck
Edited by
Molly Sullivan
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Tax season makes most people reach for their wallets, but it doesn’t have to. I asked ChatGPT to break down every legitimate way to file taxes without paying a dime, and the answer was way more detailed than I expected.
Turns out you can file for free, but the path depends on your income, what state you live in and how complicated your tax situation is.
The IRS Actually Wants You To File for Free
The best option most people don’t know about is IRS Direct File. It’s completely free for federal taxes and often covers state taxes too. You file directly through the IRS website with no ads and no pushy upsells trying to get you to upgrade.
ChatGPT said it works like TurboTax with guided questions walking you through everything, but it only works if your taxes are straightforward. That means W-2 income, Social Security, basic interest income and taking the standard deduction. If you have rental properties or complex investments, this won’t cut it.
The other catch is that Direct File isn’t available in every state yet, so you’ll need to check if yours is included.
There Are Hidden Free Filing Versions With Multiple Companies
Here’s where it gets tricky. ChatGPT explained that the IRS has a program called Free File that lets you use the actual paid tax software for free if you make $79,000 or less in adjusted gross income. Companies like TurboTax, H&R Block and TaxAct all participate.
But there’s a massive catch. You have to start from the IRS website, not from the company’s site. If you go directly to TurboTax or H&R Block, they’ll push you into their paid plans and pretend the free version doesn’t exist.
ChatGPT was clear about this: The companies make it deliberately confusing, so you accidentally pay when you don’t have to.
The ‘Free’ Options That Aren’t Really Free
ChatGPT warned that most of these companies advertise free filing but charge you as soon as your taxes get even slightly complicated. TurboTax’s free version only works for the simplest W-2 returns. H&R Block charges if you itemize deductions instead of taking the standard deduction. Cash App Taxes is free but has limited support if something goes wrong.
The pattern is clear: They hook you with “free” and then charge you right before you finish filing.
FreeTaxUSA Works for More Complex Returns
If your taxes are more complicated but you still don’t want to pay, ChatGPT recommended FreeTaxUSA. Federal filing is completely free. State filing costs about $15, though sometimes they waive it.
The big advantage is that FreeTaxUSA handles itemized deductions, self-employment income, rental properties, stock sales and even crypto. ChatGPT mentioned that CPAs like this one because it doesn’t hammer you with constant upgrade prompts.
Real People Will Do Your Taxes for Free
ChatGPT brought up VITA and TCE programs, which are IRS-certified volunteers who prepare and file your return for you at no cost. You generally need to make under $64,000, or you can qualify if you’re over 60 or have a disability.
This is a good option if you don’t want to deal with software at all and would rather have someone who knows what they’re doing handle everything.
What You Actually Need Before You Start
Regardless of which free option you pick, ChatGPT said you’ll need your W-2s or 1099s, last year’s tax return, Social Security numbers, bank account information for your refund and healthcare forms if applicable.
Having everything ready before you start makes the whole process faster and less frustrating.
How To Avoid Accidentally Paying
ChatGPT gave specific advice on avoiding the upsell trap. Always start at IRS.gov instead of clicking on Google ads. If the software prompts you to upgrade at any point, you’re using the wrong version and should back out. File early since free programs sometimes close as the April 15 deadline approaches. And expect that state taxes are more likely to cost money than federal taxes.
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