How to File Your Taxes for Free: A Guide for Low-Income Households
- Author: Jenny Wolff
- Posted: 2026-02-09
Filing taxes can be a huge headache. For many Americans, it takes about 13 hours to finish and costs around $290 in fees. For families on a tight budget or those receiving SNAP benefits, that is a lot of money and time.
The good news is that you probably don’t have to pay to file your taxes. There are several free programs designed specifically to help low-to-moderate-income households keep more of their money.
High-Quality Free Filing Options
Depending on how much you earn and how comfortable you feel with technology, one of these three options will likely work for you:
1. Expert Help: GetYourRefund.org
If you are nervous about doing your taxes yourself, this is the best option.
- How it works: This non-profit service connects you with IRS-certified volunteers. They do the hard work for you.
- Who can use it: Households making $69,000 or less.
- Why use it: It is great if your tax situation is complicated (like having kids or specific tax credits) and you want a professional to make sure everything is correct.
2. Guided Software: IRS Free File
If you are comfortable using a computer and following prompts, this is a great choice.
- How it works: The IRS partners with well-known tax software companies to let you use their programs for free.
- Who can use it: Generally available to those with a total income of $89,000 or less.
- Note: Some of these services provide free federal filing but might charge a small fee for state taxes. Always check before you start.
3. Do-It-Yourself: Free File Fillable Forms
- How it works: These are digital versions of the paper IRS forms. There is no "guidance" or step-by-step help.
- Who can use it: Anyone with a Social Security Number, regardless of how much money they make.
- Why use it: Only use this if you are very confident in your ability to do taxes without any help.
Important Things to Know
Will filing taxes affect my SNAP (Food Stamps)?
No. Filing your taxes—or even receiving a large tax refund—will not lower your SNAP benefits. Tax refunds do not count as "income" for programs like SNAP, WIC, or TANF. In fact, filing taxes is the only way to get extra money like the Child Tax Credit.
What if I don't have a Social Security Number?
If you file using an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number), you can still file for free. Programs like GetYourRefund are trained to help ITIN holders.
However, if you have concerns about immigration or privacy, it is always a good idea to talk to a legal aid service or an immigration expert before filing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To keep your filing truly free and fast, watch out for these traps:
- Don't skip filing: Even if you think you don't owe money, you should still file. You might be owed a refund check!
- Report all income: Don't forget to include money from "side gigs," tips, or cash jobs.
- Beware of "Upsells": Many "free" websites will try to get you to pay for "extra" features you don't actually need. Stick to the basic free version.
- Check for State Fees: Some sites are free for your federal taxes but charge for state taxes. Look for the "100% free" labels.
By using these free resources, you can save hundreds of dollars and make sure your taxes are filed correctly and safely.
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Read more: TANF Cash Assistance: When February 2026 Payments May Arrive
