Printable Form 2026

IRS Form 15348 – Filing Your Taxes Costs Less Than This

IRS Form 15348 – Filing Your Taxes Costs Less Than This – Filing taxes doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Many Americans pay $200–$500+ for professional preparation, but the IRS actively promotes completely free alternatives. That’s the core message of IRS Form 15348, titled “Filing Your Taxes Costs Less Than This.”

This straightforward IRS publication highlights no-cost ways to prepare and file your federal (and often state) tax return. Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about Form 15348, how to download it, and step-by-step guidance on the free filing options it promotes—updated for the 2026 tax season (filing 2025 returns).

What Is IRS Form 15348?

Form 15348 (Catalog Number 66524Z, revision date October 2021) is not a form you fill out and submit with your tax return. It is a one-page promotional flyer created by the Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service.

The document boldly states:

FILING YOUR TAXES COSTS LESS THAN THIS

It then lists key free options:

  • Completely free online tax preparation & filing
  • Brand-name software
  • Assistance from IRS Certified Volunteers
  • Prepare and file your own tax return at one of our site locations, at home or on the go with your computer, phone, tablet or other device

Download the official PDF here: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f15348.pdf

The form remains available on the current IRS Forms & Publications page (as of February 2026) and continues to reflect the agency’s long-standing commitment to making tax filing accessible and affordable.

Why the IRS Created Form 15348?

The flyer targets taxpayers who assume filing must be expensive. By contrasting paid services with IRS-backed free programs, it encourages use of trusted, no-cost options that have prepared millions of returns annually through partnerships with software companies and community volunteers.

Free Tax Filing Options Promoted by Form 15348 (2026 Updates)

The programs highlighted on Form 15348 are still active and have expanded. Here are the main avenues for filing completely free in 2026:

1. IRS Free File – Guided Tax Software (Brand-Name Software)

  • Eligibility: Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $89,000 or less in 2025.
  • What you get: Free guided software from eight trusted IRS partner companies (e.g., TaxSlayer, FreeTaxUSA, and others). Many partners also offer free state returns.
  • How it works:
    1. Go to IRS.gov/freefile.
    2. Choose “Guided Tax Software.”
    3. Browse partner offers and select the best fit for your situation.
    4. Answer simple questions; the software handles calculations and e-files your return.
  • Start date: Partners began accepting returns in early January 2026.
  • Perfect for: Most taxpayers with straightforward returns (W-2s, interest, dividends, credits like EITC or Child Tax Credit).

2. Free File Fillable Forms (Do-It-Yourself)

  • Eligibility: Anyone, regardless of income.
  • What you get: Online versions of actual IRS forms with basic instructions and e-filing capability.
  • Best for: Experienced filers comfortable doing their own math and entering data directly.

3. VITA & TCE Volunteer Programs (Assistance from IRS Certified Volunteers)

  • VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance): Free preparation for people with AGI generally $69,000 or less, persons with disabilities, and limited-English-speaking taxpayers.
  • TCE (Tax Counseling for the Elderly): Free help especially for taxpayers age 60 and older, with expertise on retirement and pension issues.
  • Services:
    • In-person or virtual appointments at thousands of community sites (libraries, malls, schools).
    • IRS-certified volunteers prepare your return and perform a quality review.
    • Many sites offer “Self-Prep” using web-based software with volunteer guidance.
  • How to find a site:
  • Sites operate primarily January–April; check early as appointments fill quickly.

Benefits of Using These Free Options

  • Zero out-of-pocket cost for federal filing (many include state returns).
  • IRS-backed accuracy and security.
  • E-filing with fast refunds (direct deposit in as little as 21 days for simple returns).
  • Support for common credits (Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, etc.).
  • No hidden fees—unlike some commercial “free” offers that upsell audit protection or state filing.

Step-by-Step: How to File for Free in 2026?

  1. Gather your documents (W-2s, 1099s, receipts for deductions/credits, prior-year AGI for e-file PIN).
  2. Determine your best option (Free File if AGI ≤ $89k, VITA/TCE if lower income or need help).
  3. Visit IRS.gov and start early—returns can be prepared now and e-filed when the IRS opens full processing (typically mid-to-late January 2026).
  4. E-file and track your refund with the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool.

Tax deadline: April 15, 2026 (or October 15 with extension).

Frequently Asked Questions About IRS Form 15348 and Free Filing

  • Is Form 15348 required to file my taxes?
    No. It is purely informational.
  • Has the form been updated since 2021?
    No new revision has been issued, but the programs it promotes (Free File, VITA/TCE) receive annual updates and remain fully active.
  • Can I use these options if I have investment income or rental property?
    Free File guided software handles many complex situations; VITA/TCE is limited to basic returns. Check partner eligibility or call a VITA site.
  • What if my income is over $89,000?
    Use Free File Fillable Forms or commercial software (some still offer free editions for simple returns).

Final Thoughts

IRS Form 15348 delivers a powerful reminder: filing your taxes can cost less than zero. Whether you use brand-name guided software through IRS Free File, fillable forms, or the caring assistance of IRS-certified volunteers at a VITA or TCE site, you have reliable, no-cost options backed by the federal government.

Don’t pay for what the IRS already provides for free. Visit IRS.gov/freefile today or locate a volunteer site near you. Filing smart saves money—and stress.

Official resources:

Start early, file free, and get your maximum refund. Your wallet will thank you.

All information sourced directly from IRS.gov (accessed February 2026). Tax rules can change; always verify the latest details on official IRS pages.