Yes. If you mean filing a 2023 federal tax return (tax year 2023), there were several genuinely free options—especially for a student with a simple W-2 return.
IRS Free File: For 2023 returns, taxpayers with 2023 AGI of $79,000 or less could generally find a free IRS-partner option.
VITA: If your income was relatively low, IRS-certified volunteers could prepare a basic federal (and often state) return for free. VITA generally serves low-to-moderate-income taxpayers.
IRS Free File Fillable Forms: If you're comfortable doing the return yourself, the IRS provides free electronic federal forms.
State return: Whether the state portion was free depended on the provider/state, so don't assume that a "free federal" offer also means free state filing.
Yes, as a student with a simple return, you have several reliable and completely free options to file your 2023 tax return. Because student returns are typically straightforward (often just W-2s or 1098-T forms), you can easily avoid paying commercial software fees.
Can you recommend a tax filing application that doesn't cost anything to use?
I am a student needing to file a simple tax return for 2023. Are there any free options available that fit my budget?
One important wrinkle: 2023 is already a prior tax year, so the normal Free File filing window for 2023 has closed. If you still haven't filed your 2023 return, you can generally still file it, but the available free online options are different now.
If you tell me (1) what state you lived in during 2023, (2) roughly how much you made, and (3) whether you only have a W-2, I can point you to the cheapest/free way to file that specific 2023 return.
The best free options available for filing a 2023 tax return include:
IRS Free File Program : If your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) for 2023 was under the program threshold (typically $79,000 or less), you can use brand-name guided tax software completely free. To get the free tier, you must start your session through the official IRS Free File page rather than going directly to a provider's main website.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) : If your income is low-to-moderate (generally $60,000 to $69,000 or less, depending on the site), the IRS VITA Program offers free tax preparation and e-filing assistance from IRS-certified volunteers. Many local VITA sites operate on or near college campuses.
IRS Free File Fillable Forms : If your income happened to be higher than the guided software limit, you can use the IRS Free File Fillable Forms . These are electronic versions of IRS paper forms. Keep in mind they offer basic math calculations but no step-by-step guidance, and they only cover federal returns (not state).
Campus or Student Association Resources : Check with your university’s business school, student financial aid office, or student government. Many colleges host campus-based VITA clinics or provide specialized student discounts and free access codes for tax software packages during tax season.
To help narrow down the best platform, could you let me know:
Approximately what your 2023 income was?
Whether you need to file a state tax return in addition to your federal return?
Choosing a free tax filing option depends heavily on your income, how complex your tax situation is, and whether you need to file a state return as well as a federal one.
The top free tax apps and programs available break down as follows:
FreeTaxUSA : Highly popular for budget-conscious filers because federal filing is completely free regardless of your income or tax complexity (including itemized deductions or self-employment), though they do charge a small fee for state returns.
H&R Block Free Online : Frequently rated as a top overall free option. It covers simple tax situations ($0 federal, $0 state, $0 to file) and includes a generous array of basic tax forms and an AI assistant accessible via their mobile app or web platform.
TurboTax Free Edition : Best if you have a very simple tax return (W-2 income, standard deduction, simple credits). They offer a $0 federal, $0 state, and $0 to file tier, but note that it only covers basic forms—if you need to add itemized deductions or complex investments, they will prompt you to upgrade to a paid tier.
TaxSlayer (Classic or Free) : Known as a great budget option, offering a free tier for simple W-2 filers.
IRS Free File : If your adjusted gross income (AGI) is $89,000 or less, you can access guided commercial brand-name software completely for free by starting through the official IRS Free File Program . (You can also use the IRS2Go App to find and access these tools on mobile).
To help me narrow down the absolute best fit for you, could you share:
Your estimated income range (or AGI)
Your tax situation (W-2 only, self-employed/freelance, investments, dependents, etc.)
If you mean U.S. federal income taxes, you have several genuinely free options for the 2025 tax year.
IRS Free File — The safest place to start. If your 2025 AGI is $89,000 or less, you can use one of the IRS's participating guided-tax providers for free. Some include a free state return.
Cash App Taxes — Advertises $0 for both federal and state returns, including many more complicated situations such as investments and 1099 income.
FreeTaxUSA — $0 federal for everyone, including self-employment, investments, home ownership, and rental income. State filing is currently unless you qualify for its Free File offer.
$15.99
If your goal is $0 total: I'd first check IRS Free File and Cash App Taxes, since FreeTaxUSA generally charges for the state return.
If you tell me (1) your approximate income, (2) whether you're W-2 or self-employed/1099, (3) whether you have kids/dependents, and (4) what state you live in, I can tell you which free option fits your situation and whether the state filing can also be free.
