Navo is a private company and isn't affiliated with or endorsed by the IRS.
The short answer: the IRS told states that Direct File would not be available in the 2026 filing season, and it hasn't set a date for it to come back. You still have several free ways to file your federal return: IRS Free File if your income is under the IRS's limit, Free File Fillable Forms at any income, free help from IRS-certified volunteers, and private options such as Navo.
This guide explains each one, who it fits, and what to watch for, plus what to bring over if you used Direct File before.
What happened to Direct File
Direct File was the IRS's own free filing tool. For two filing seasons, people in the states where it was offered could file a simple federal return directly with the IRS, at no cost. In late 2025, the IRS told its state partners that Direct File would not be available in the 2026 filing season and that no future launch date had been set.
If you used Direct File, your past returns are still valid. You just need a different way to file this year.
The free options at a glance
| Option | Who can use it | Help with questions | State return | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IRS Free File (guided) | People under the IRS's income limit, plus each company's own rules | Yes, step by step | Some partners include one free | Free federal |
| Free File Fillable Forms | Anyone | No. You fill in forms yourself | No | Free |
| VITA and TCE volunteers | Many people with lower incomes, people with disabilities, limited English speakers, and people 60 and up | A person prepares it with you | Often, depending on the site | Free |
| Navo | Anyone. No income limit. | Yes, plain questions | Whole return in Ohio and the nine states with no income tax | Free for the 2027 season |
IRS Free File
The IRS partners with tax software companies to offer free federal filing to people with incomes under a set limit. You start from IRS Free File on irs.gov, which helps you find offers you qualify for. Each company sets its own extra rules on age, state and income, so read the offer before you start. Some partners also offer a free state return.
The income limit is set each year. The IRS posts the new one when Free File opens in January.
Good fit if: your income is under the IRS's limit and you want guided software.
Watch for: starting from a search ad or the company's home page instead of irs.gov. A company's regular product may not be free, even if the same company has a Free File offer. Start from irs.gov.
Free File Fillable Forms
For any income level, the IRS offers electronic versions of the paper forms. You fill in each line yourself and it does limited calculations, but it won't ask you questions or tell you what you're missing. It doesn't file state returns.
Good fit if: you're comfortable filling in tax forms line by line, maybe because you've done your own return on paper before.
Watch for: it's easy to miss a form or credit, because nothing prompts you.
Free help from IRS-certified volunteers
The IRS's VITA and TCE programs offer free tax preparation by trained volunteers, usually at libraries, community centers and schools. VITA generally serves people with low to moderate incomes, people with disabilities and people who speak limited English. TCE focuses on people 60 and older. You can find a site near you on irs.gov.
Good fit if: you'd rather have a person prepare your return with you.
Watch for: sites get busy close to the April deadline, and some situations are out of scope for volunteers. Call ahead, and bring every form plus photo ID and Social Security cards for everyone on the return.
Navo
Navo is a private company and isn't affiliated with or endorsed by the IRS. Filing with Navo is free for the 2027 season, for everyone, with no income limit. Navo started from Direct File's open-source code, so if you used Direct File, the plain questions and step-by-step approach will feel familiar.
We've added support for more tax situations, such as self-employment income, investment sales, rental income, itemized deductions and the new 2026 deductions for tips, overtime, seniors and car loan interest. In Ohio and the nine states with no income tax, Navo files your whole return. Everywhere else, Navo files your federal return and you file your state return with your state.
Good fit if: you want guided, free tax filing whatever your income.
Watch for: some situations aren't supported yet. Navo tells you early if your return includes one. See what Navo covers.
Read how Navo started from Direct File
What about "free" from the big brands?
Many well-known tax products advertise a free version. These usually cover only simple returns. Common situations like self-employment income, itemized deductions or investment sales can move you to a paid tier, and state returns often cost extra. Before you start, check:
- Is the federal return free for your situation, not just simple returns?
- Is the state return free?
- Are there add-ons, like audit support or faster refunds, that are pre-selected?
If you used Direct File before
A few things help you switch smoothly:
- Find last year's return. You'll often need last year's adjusted gross income (line 11a on the 2025 Form 1040) to sign your return electronically. If you used Direct File, you could download your return as a PDF. If you can't find it, your IRS online account shows your prior-year AGI.
- Check your state. Direct File handed you off to your state's own filing tool in some states. You'll still need to file your state return this year, either with your new software or with your state directly.
- Bring the same documents. W-2s, 1099s, your 1095-A if you had Marketplace insurance, and your bank details for direct deposit.
Whatever you pick
- File electronically and choose direct deposit. It's the fastest way to get a refund.
- Don't wait for a form you don't need. Check what you should expect, and whether you need to file at all.
- File on time even if you can't pay. The IRS offers payment plans, and the penalty for not filing is bigger than the penalty for not paying.
Frequently asked questions
Will Direct File come back? The IRS hasn't announced a date. Check irs.gov for updates.
Is Navo the same as Direct File? No. Navo is a private company and isn't affiliated with or endorsed by the IRS. It started from Direct File's public code and has added more tax situations and its own e-filing, sign-in and support.
Is it safe to file with Navo? Companies that e-file returns have to follow IRS rules on security and privacy. Check any company's privacy policy before you start. How Navo protects your information.
Related guides
- How Navo started from Direct File
- How to file your taxes free with AI
- What's new for your 2026 taxes
Navo is a private company and isn't affiliated with or endorsed by the IRS. Direct File, Free File and VITA are IRS programs. This post is general information, not tax advice for your situation. Sources: IRS Free File; IRS, Free tax return preparation for qualifying taxpayers.