Want to file taxes for free in California? Check out these state and federal resources
Haven’t filed your state and federal taxes yet?
California residents can take advantage of several free and convenient ways to file taxes before the April 15 deadline.
The Internal Revenue Service and California Franchise Tax Board offer no-cost tax services, or you can use an e-filing option through companies including Cash App and FreeTaxUSA.
Here’s how to file your taxes for free:
When is the deadline to file taxes?
That’s when all state and federal tax returns are due, along with any required tax payments.
Can I get a tax filing extension?
According to the IRS, if you need extra time to complete your filings, you can request a six-month extension from the agency. However, any payments are still due by the April deadline.
The California Franchise Tax Board also offers an automatic extension to Oct. 15 for filing tax returns.
Taxpayers who were affected by the Los Angeles-area wildfires in January can have the tax returns and payments deadline extended to Oct. 15, according to the IRS.
Tax experts recommend filing ahead of the deadline and electronically if possible to avoid delays caused by staffing issues at the federal government, according to previous Sacramento Bee reporting.
How can I file my federal taxes for free?
The IRS has various options for filing your tax return online at no cost.
Eligible taxpayers can use Direct File to file federal tax returns for free.
According to the IRS, you are eligible to use the service as long as you:
Lived in California for all of 2024
Earned all of your income in California in 2024
Plan to use the same filing status for both your federal and state tax returns
Have filed in California in the past 5 years
Aren’t using the filing status “married filing separately”
According to the agency, Direct File is not available for taxpayers filing income from a business, a rental or gig economy.
If you don’t meet the requirements for using Direct File, you might be able to use one of the IRS’s “trusted partners” through the Free File program, according to the IRS website.
Taxpayers who made $84,000 or less in income in 2024 are eligible to file federal taxes for free with a third-party service the IRS has partnered with.
Some partner services offer free state tax filing as well, while others could charge a fee, according to the IRS.
You can browse the list of IRS Free File partners or take a short survey on the agency’s website to find a service that works for you.
Can I file my California state taxes for free?
The California Franchise Tax Board allows Californians to fill out state taxes without fees using the online CalFile service.
If you have filed a California state tax return in the last five years, you can sign up for an online MyFTB account to access the service.
You can check if you qualify for CalFile on the tax board’s website.
If you have questions about the CalFile program or creating an online account, you can speak with a franchise tax board representative on the agency’s website.
What are other ways to file your taxes?
If you do not qualify for the IRS Direct File service or Free File program, some third-party companies authorized by the government can help you file federal and state taxes for free.
The popular mobile banking app Cash App offers an online service to file California state and federal tax returns at no cost.
FreeTaxUSA, one of the IRS Free File partners, allows federal tax filing with no fees for all taxpayers.
Filing a state tax return with FreeTaxUSA costs $14.99. Optional paid add-on services include support from a tax professional.
This story was originally published March 10, 2025 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Want to file taxes for free in California? Check out these state and federal resources."
