Free File is a partnership between the IRS and brand-name tax software companies to help taxpayers prepare their tax returns and maximize their refund, at no cost. Free File enables all eligible Vermont taxpayers—individuals, families, and active military with an adjusted gross income of $84,000 or less for Tax Year 2024—to use trusted commercial tax preparation software products for free.
About 70% of Vermont taxpayers qualify to file their personal income tax returns online for free with Free File. If you qualify to Free File your federal individual income tax return with the IRS, you may also qualify for free filing of your Vermont return with one of the participating filing software providers.
The Tax Year 2023 Income Tax filing period has ended.
The Tax Year 2024 Income Tax filing period has not yet started.
Benefits of Free File
- Easy to use. Participating Free File software walks taxpayers through the process of filing online, reducing errors and helping taxpayers get their refunds faster, with no hidden costs or fees.
- Apply for tax credits easily. Free File programs suggest federal or Vermont tax credits for you based on your entries and automatically include others in your return. Furthermore, if you qualify for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), the software programs automatically calculate your Vermont EITC.
- Wherever, whenever. Vermont taxpayers can safely use Free File in the comfort of their homes or wherever there is a computer or mobile device with internet access, any time of day or night.
- File securely. Participating Free File programs use encryption to ensure returns are protected throughout the process. Software is constantly updated to give you the most up-to-date information to complete your return accurately.
- Versatility. Free File can handle a wide range of personal income tax situations. Whether you are a W-2 employee, investor, college student, or gig worker with a 1099, Free File helps you file your federal and State income tax returns.
Free Tax Preparation Assistance
Free File is a companion to other IRS programs that provide reliable tax preparation to the public at no cost, including the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Throughout Vermont, community-based organizations provide VITA services that connect taxpayers to IRS-trained volunteers who prepare returns for eligible individuals and families. Some VITA locations also provide taxpayers access to Free File products at their sites, designating computers, workstations, and volunteers for coaching and encouragement as taxpayers prepare their own returns using the tax software.
Learn more about free tax preparation assistance.
Tips
- Most tax software vendors have two websites, one for use by the general public, where a fee may be charged—and another for those eligible for Free File.
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To ensure free Vermont filing, use the Vermont Department of Taxes’ Free File vendor links to file your federal and Vermont returns. The Department recommends that you do not use the IRS' Free File link to file either return as the IRS Free File link may not allow you to file your Vermont tax return.
Security
Free File software meets the highest security, privacy, and support standards. Every tax return is transmitted to the IRS and the Vermont Department of Taxes through a secure e-file system. Taxpayers receive an email confirmation from the Free File vendor when the return has been accepted.
All online tax filing vendors offer a multi-factor authentication option. For example, multi-factor authentication may require that you enter information to access the account or application securely, such as your username, password, and/or a temporary access code sent by email, text, or phone call.
If you complete your return on a device with a Wi-Fi connection, be sure to use a trusted network, such as your home system. Never use public Wi-Fi unless you use a virtual private network (VPN) to protect your data.
Filing Other Vermont Forms
Besides federal and state returns, some Free File providers offer these Vermont forms:
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Vermont Renter Credit Claim
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Vermont Homestead Declaration
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Property Tax Credit Claim
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Extension to File Personal Income Tax
Whether or not a particular provider offers these forms, you can always file them using myVTax, Vermont’s free online filing service. Whichever method you choose, be sure to file only once.
For more information and a list of frequently asked questions, visit the Free File Alliance website.