Free Federal Tax Filing Options for WI Residents

Each year, millions of Wisconsinites file individual federal and state taxes. Some people hire a tax accountant and others file taxes on their own, often using a software program to file taxes. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS), which is responsible for collecting federal taxes from U.S. taxpayers, offers the IRS Free File program for federal taxes to Wisconsin residents who qualify and other resource to help with tax filing.

The IRS Free File program is available to tax filers with income in 2025 of $84,000 or less. This program is a partnership between the IRS and tax preparation & filing software companies who provide online filing services for free. To find free guided tax software available to you under this program, visit the following website: https://apps.irs.gov/app/freeFile/.

IRS Free File opens in January following the tax year. For example, for 2025 tax filing, IRS Free File opens in January 2026.

Before using IRS Free File, you should gather important tax filing information. This includes a copy of your tax return from the previous year, social security numbers for yourself, your spouse, and dependents (if applicable), income information that applies to your situation such as W-2 document/s, social security income receipts, unemployment compensation receipts, and other required documents.

Wisconsin tax filers who use this program may also consider using WisTax, a free electronic tax filing system to file WI state taxes.

If your income is above the limit to use IRS Free File, you may use the free, do-it-yourself tax filing option (no income limit) offered by the IRS called Free Fillable Forms. This tax filing option is available from mid-to-late January through mid-October of each year. With this program, you will do the tax filing work by entering your information into online forms that you select. To create an account for Free Fillable Forms, you will need a valid email and 10-digit cell phone number that can receive text messages.

Also, there are other resources to get help with tax filing such as:

Filing your taxes each year is important because it can help you get money back and avoid penalties and fees. It can help to take advantage of these programs so you have a smooth and easy tax preparation and filing experience.

To talk about important family and financial topics, contact a UW-Extension educator in your county. Visit https://counties.extension.wisc.edu/ for more information.