IRS Publication 5916 – File for free with IRS Direct File – If you searched for IRS Publication 5916, you likely wanted a simple, free way to file your federal taxes directly with the IRS. This official IRS document, titled File for free with IRS Direct File, was a short, easy-to-read overview of the IRS Direct File program.
Download the official PDF here: IRS Publication 5916 (Rev. 2-2025) (also available in Spanish as Publication 5916 (sp)).
What Is IRS Publication 5916?
Published in February 2025 (Catalog Number 94627B), Publication 5916 served as a promotional and informational flyer for the IRS Direct File pilot program. It explained how eligible taxpayers could prepare and e-file their federal income tax returns online for free, straight to the IRS — without using commercial tax software.
The publication highlighted that IRS Direct File was:
- Simple — Step-by-step guidance to enter your tax information
- Accurate — Built-in IRS calculations and error checks
- Secure — Direct filing with the IRS
- Free — No fees for federal returns
It also promoted real-time online help (in English or Spanish), mobile-friendly access, and easy direct deposit of refunds or online payments.
Who Could Use IRS Direct File? (2025 Filing Season Eligibility)
According to Publication 5916, you qualified if you:
- Lived in one of the 25 participating states for the entire 2024 tax year
- Had a relatively simple tax situation (specific income types, deductions, and credits only)
Participating states (full-year residency in 2024 required):
Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
The publication directed readers to the Eligibility Checker on directfile.irs.gov to confirm whether their specific tax situation (income, filing status, credits, etc.) was supported. Detailed rules appeared in the companion Publication 5917 (IRS Direct File – What you need to know).
Key Features Highlighted in Publication 5916
- File in English or Spanish
- Access on smartphones, tablets, laptops, or desktops
- Real-time online help
- Step-by-step guidance for entering tax information
- Direct deposit of refunds or online payment of taxes owed
- Fully secure IRS platform
Important Update: IRS Direct File Is No Longer Available
IRS Direct File was discontinued for the 2026 tax filing season (and beyond). The program, which began as a 12-state pilot in 2024 and expanded to 25 states in 2025, processed about 297,000 returns in its final season. In late 2025, the IRS and Treasury Department announced it would not return, citing costs and low usage. The directfile.irs.gov site no longer works.
Publication 5916 remains available as a historical reference on IRS.gov, but the service it described is no longer offered.
Free Tax Filing Options Available Now (2026 Filing Season)
Even without Direct File, you still have no-cost options for federal returns:
- IRS Free File (guided software)
- For adjusted gross income (AGI) of $89,000 or less in 2025
- Eight trusted partner companies offer free guided preparation
- Always start at IRS.gov/freefile to avoid paid upsells
- Free File Fillable Forms
- For anyone (no income limit)
- Electronic versions of IRS forms you fill out yourself
- Other free options
- VITA/TCE (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) for low-income, elderly, or disabled taxpayers
- Military-specific programs through MilTax
For the latest details and to start filing, visit the official IRS page: File your taxes for free.
Why Publication 5916 Still Matters?
Many taxpayers saved the PDF or bookmarked it during the 2025 season. It remains a clear, concise summary of what the Direct File program offered. If you’re researching past tax seasons, comparing free filing tools, or simply want the official IRS wording, the publication is still the best single-page reference.
Bottom line: IRS Publication 5916 was the friendly guide to a government-built, free, direct-to-IRS filing option. While that specific program has ended, the IRS continues to offer multiple free filing pathways through IRS Free File and Fillable Forms.
Ready to file for 2025 taxes?
Start at → IRS.gov/freefile
Download Publication 5916 → here
Keywords: IRS Publication 5916, IRS Direct File, file taxes for free, free IRS tax filing, IRS free file 2026, direct file eligibility, free federal tax return.
Last updated: February 2026. All information sourced directly from IRS.gov and official publications.