The Free File Guided Tax Preparation service from the Internal Revenue Service went live on January 13, 2023, just 10 days before the start of the 2023 filing season. Beginning January 23, the Internal Revenue Service will begin processing individual tax returns.

The Free File is one of many free ways that taxpayers can file their taxes online or in person. The IRS and Free File Inc. (formerly called the Free File Alliance) work together to offer IRS Free File. Through this partnership, the top companies making tax software make their online products free to use in English and Spanish.

This year, seven partners will offer online IRS Free File products to any taxpayer or family who made less than $73,000 in 2022. These partners are: 

• 1040Now
• ezTaxReturn.com
• FileYourTaxes.com
• Online Taxes
• TaxAct
• FreeTaxUSA
• TaxSlayer

Since the tax filing season does not officially begin until January 23, IRS Free File providers will accept completed tax returns and retain them until January 23.

Beginning on January 23, 2022, taxpayers with annual incomes exceeding $73,000 will have access to Free File Fillable Forms (FFFF), the IRS’s electronic replacement for paper forms. Those who are competent with tax preparation on their own will benefit most from this package.