Many seniors are still paying $150–$400 every spring for tax prep they could legally get for free. With the IRS ending its Direct File option, it is even more important to find free alternatives. Luckily, with the IRS’s 2026 Free File program and new senior‑friendly tools rolling out, this is the first year millions of older taxpayers can skip paid software entirely. However, it’s key to know which programs are safe and not scams. Not to mention, you want to know which you might qualify for. Here are six free tax prep options for seniors that are truly free.
